SUPERVISION OF RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES
This standard applies to supervision of restricted activities by an authorized dental hygienist.
If a dental hygienist consents to supervise another person performing a restricted activity, the dental hygienist is ultimately accountable for the performance of that restricted activity. Any supervised restricted activities will be held to the Standards of Practice of the dental hygienist. In certain circumstances, the following persons may perform a restricted activity under the supervision of a dental hygienist:
- Students
- Dental hygienists
- Other regulated health professionals
A. Students
Students are permitted to perform a restricted activity under the supervision of a dental hygienist in the following circumstances:
- Students in an approved dental hygiene program leading to initial entry-to-practice as a dental hygienist;
- Students in an approved dental hygiene program leading to re-entry to practice as a dental hygienist; or
- Students in a post-secondary health services program of studies approved by the council of another college under the Health Professions Act.
B. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists on the General or Courtesy Register are permitted to perform a restricted activity under the supervision of another dental hygienist, in the following circumstances:
- Dental hygienists undergoing training to perform a restricted activity in an approved advanced training program.
C. Other Regulated Health Professionals
Other regulated health professionals may be permitted to perform a restricted activity under the supervision of a dental hygienist in the following circumstances:
- Other regulated health professionals undergoing training to perform a restricted activity in a training program approved by the council of another college under the Health Professions Act; or
- Other regulated health professionals who require supervision as part of provisional registration in accordance with the other profession's regulations and standards of practice.
The supervision and performance of the restricted activity must be in accordance with the standards of practice set by each regulated health professional’s college.
Standard Statement
The dental hygienist supervises the performance of restricted activities responsibly and within their own scope of practice, competence, and restricted activity authorization.
Performance Expectations
The dental hygienist must…
- Document their consent to supervise.
- Obtain the patient’s informed consent for the restricted activity to be performed under supervision.
- Ensure the person performing the restricted activity is clearly identified in the patient record.
- Only supervise the performance of restricted activities that they themselves are authorized and competent to perform without requiring supervision themselves.
- Be responsible and accountable for the restricted activity being performed by the supervised person.
- Continuously assess the knowledge, skill, and judgement of the supervised person performing the restricted activity.
- Ensure ongoing safety and appropriateness for the supervised person to perform the restricted activity.
- Be on-site, available to assist, and employ an appropriate level of supervision (direct and/or indirect) to maintain patient safety and the provision of quality care that considers:
- The competence of the supervised person;
- The patient care needs; and
- Other factors related to the practice environment.
- Address any competence issues of the supervised person in the performance of the restricted activity.
Patient Expectations
The patient can expect to be informed of the role of the supervised person and that a supervising dental hygienist is responsible and accountable for the delivery of safe, competent services.
Glossary
APPROVED ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAM: A program for training in the performance of specific restricted activities that is approved by the College.
APPROVED DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM: A dental hygiene education program in Alberta approved by Council in accordance with dental hygiene education criteria.
RESTRICTED ACTIVITY: An activity named in the Health Professions Act as a restricted activity carried out in relation to or as part of a health service.
SUPERVISION: The consultation, guidance, and oversight by an authorized dental hygienist in the practice setting. The supervising dental hygienist is ultimately accountable for the performance of the restricted activity. Supervision may be direct or indirect.
DIRECT SUPERVISION: an authorized dental hygienist is physically present at the point-of-care.
INDIRECT SUPERVISION: an authorized dental hygienist is available for consultation and guidance but is not required to be physically present at the point-of-care. This person providing indirect supervision is readily available on site and can go provide assistance when needed1.
- Adapted from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (2020) Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses on Restricted Activities and Advanced Practice