Under what condition can a dental auxiliary perform delegated tasks?

• A. They can perform any task as long as the dentist approves.
• B. They can perform only administrative tasks.
• C. They can perform only if the dentist is not supervising.
• D. They can perform only those tasks they are trained and authorized to perform under the dentist's supervision.

Answer: (D)

Delegation in dentistry is limited by training and supervision. A dental auxiliary may perform delegated tasks only if those tasks are within what they have been trained and authorized to do, and they are carried out under the dentist’s supervision. The dentist must assess competence, provide the necessary instruction, and formally authorize each duty. This framework keeps patient safety, quality of care, and legal scope in check. Tasks outside the trained/authorized scope or performed without supervision aren’t allowed, and simply handling administrative duties doesn’t encompass the full range of delegated clinical tasks.