Final answer:
Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) can irrigate sub-gingivally under general or direct supervision, depending on state regulations, with direct supervision necessitating the dentist's presence during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) under general or direct supervision can perform the task of sub-gingival irrigation, which is a procedure done to cleanse the space beneath the gums to remove plaque and bacterial toxins. The distinction between general and direct supervision depends on state regulations and can determine when and how the RDH can initiate this treatment. Under direct supervision, the dentist is required to be physically present in the treatment facility during the procedure.
Furthermore, the scope of an RDH's responsibilities can expand to various patient care activities, similar to the direct supervision of a registered nurse who may review the patient's history, assess and respond to patient needs, monitor treatments, take vital signs, and prepare solutions and equipment to ensure sterile procedures. Although this reference is pertaining to a nurse and dialysis treatments, the principle of supervision remains relevant in both contexts of healthcare provision.