Which of the following duties can an RDA perform under direct supervision?

The capability of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to perform duties under direct supervision is governed by California dental law. Direct supervision requires that a dentist be physically present in the dental office while the RDA performs the task.

Placing orthodontic separators under direct supervision is a suitable task for an RDA, as this procedure falls within the scope of duties that the California Dental Board allows. This means that the RDA can assist in orthodontic procedures, provided that the dentist oversees the process directly.

Other tasks, such as removing sutures, polishing amalgam, and fabricating indirect provisional restorations, typically require a higher level of training or indirect supervision instead of direct. Removing sutures generally should be handled by a licensed professional, and polishing or contouring restorations usually involves significant technical skill and judgment. Additionally, fabricating indirect provisional restorations is complex and requires specialty training.

Thus, placing orthodontic separators aligns with the roles and responsibilities of an RDA under direct supervision, verifying that the RDA is working within legal and procedural guidelines.