Which action is permitted for a dental hygienist under general supervision?

A dental hygienist operating under general supervision is allowed to perform regular cleanings, which include procedures such as prophylaxis and scaling, as long as there is authorization from a dentist before initiating the procedure. General supervision means that the dentist does not need to be physically present during the dental hygienist's performance of these tasks; they only need to have given prior approval for the hygienist to carry out specific services.

The option regarding administering local anesthesia independently involves a higher level of supervision and is generally not permitted under general supervision. Similarly, placing sutures and making referrals to specialists typically require direct supervision or a more formal collaborative agreement due to the complexities and responsibilities involved in those actions. Thus, performing cleanings under general supervision aligns with the legal scope of practice for dental hygienists in Nevada, making it the correct choice.