2026 Delegation/Supervision Guide

This chart was developed by a group of dental professionals in South Dakota, and endorsed by the SDDA, as a summary guide to understanding duties that can be delegated to allied dental staff and the level(s) of supervision required. This guide is not a product of the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. It is not intended to be a substitute for South Dakota dental professionals’ responsibility for fully knowing current laws and rules, which can be accessed via the Board’s website at https://www.sdboardofdentistry.org Dental Practice Act Laws and Rules can, and do, change.

Delegation Chart Key

LEVELS OF SUPERVISION – DENTAL HYGIENISTS, REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS - 2026

 

  • "Direct supervision," the supervision of a dental hygienist or registered dental assistant requiring that a dentist diagnose the condition to be treated, a dentist authorize the procedure to be performed, a dentist remain in the dental clinic while the procedure is performed, and before dismissal of the patient a dentist approve the work performed by the dental hygienist or registered dental assistant;
  • "Indirect supervision," the supervision of a dental hygienist or registered dental assistant requiring that a dentist authorize the procedures and a dentist be in the dental clinic while the procedures are performed by the registered dental assistant or dental hygienist;
  • “General supervision," the supervision of a dental hygienist requiring that a dentist authorize the procedures to be carried out, and that the patient to be treated is a patient of record of the supervising dentist, or a dentist practicing within the same entity or clinic as the supervising dentist, and has had a complete evaluation within the previous thirteen months of the delegation of procedures. A written treatment plan contained within the patient's record shall accompany any authorization of treatment procedures;
  • "Personal supervision," a level of supervision whereby the dentist or dental hygienist is personally treating a patient and authorizes the dental assistant to aid the treatment by concurrently performing a supportive procedure;
  • *, Subject to the supervising dentist exercising full responsibility, a dental assistant may perform the following duties or procedures if the supervising dentist is not present in the dental clinic, but has prior knowledge of and has authorized the performance.
  • **Only a person registered to practice as a dental radiographer or licensed to practice as a dentist or dental hygienist may perform dental radiography. No person may be exposed to an ionizing radiation beam except for dental diagnostic purposes and only if exposure has been authorized by the supervising dentist. Any person operating a dental radiographic machine shall follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacture of the radiographic machine.

NOTES

  1. Read the entire text of the rules for any coursework requirements.
  2. If any delegated procedure specifically indicates a requirement to complete additional coursework, the Registered Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist must complete the coursework to perform the procedure. 

Note: This guide is an accurate summary as of the date of this printing. It is not intended to be a substitute for South Dakota dental professionals’ responsibility for fully knowing current laws and rules, which can be accessed via the Board’s website at https://www.sdboardofdentistry.org Dental Practice Act Laws and Rules can, and do, change.