What type of procedures can never be performed by a Dental Hygienist under any supervision?

A Dental Hygienist is prohibited from incising gingiva or soft tissue under any form of supervision. This restriction is rooted in the scope of practice regulations designed to ensure patient safety and uphold the integrity of procedures that involve surgical interventions. Incising tissue is considered a surgical procedure that requires specialized training and a higher level of clinical judgment, typically reserved for dentists.

While there are various tasks that Dental Hygienists can perform with varying degrees of supervision, the act of incising soft tissue unequivocally falls outside their legal scope, regardless of the supervising dentist's presence. This rule is established to safeguard against potential complications that could arise from surgical procedures being performed by individuals who are not trained to handle more complex situations that may emerge during such interventions.

In contrast, tasks like taking wax bites, finishing margins of restorations, and taking dental radiographs are generally permissible within specific supervisory frameworks, thus showcasing the clear differentiation between general preventive care, restorative support, and surgical responsibilities in dental practice.