Final answer:
A Registered Dental Hygienist can administer local anesthesia under the required level of supervision and is also capable of performing critical tasks like providing dialysis under direct supervision, which includes patient assessment, monitoring of treatment, and preparation of equipment to ensure sterile and accurate procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A registered dental hygienist (RDH) can perform certain tasks under general or direct supervision. This includes administering local anesthesia, also known as LA. When working under general supervision, the RDH can administer LA that has been prescribed to a patient by a licensed dentist. This means that the treatment can be performed without the direct presence of a dentist, but with their approval and supervision. On the other hand, when working under direct supervision, the RDH can administer LA in the presence of a licensed dentist.
The student's question pertains to the scope of practice for a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) under different levels of supervision—specifically, whether they can administer local anesthesia (LA) under general or direct supervision. An RDH typically has the capacity to perform a variety of tasks related to dental care. Under direct supervision of a registered nurse or dentist, their role can expand to more critical tasks, such as providing specific treatments like dialysis.