Under what condition must expanded duties be performed by dental assistants in Louisiana?

Expanded duties for dental assistants in Louisiana must be performed under direct supervision. This means that a licensed dentist must be physically present in the dental office and available to provide immediate oversight while the dental assistant performs these duties. The necessity for direct supervision ensures that the dentist can offer guidance, approve procedures, and assess the quality of the work being performed, which is essential for maintaining patient safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards in dental practice.

In a setting where expanded duties are executed, the direct presence of a dentist helps to reinforce the collaborative nature of dental care and protects both the patient and the dental assistant. This contrasts with other levels of supervision, like indirect or general supervision, where the dentist's immediate presence is not required, potentially compromising patient safety and the quality of care provided.