Which of the following tasks is typically performed under indirect supervision?

Indirect supervision refers to when a dental hygienist performs certain tasks while a dentist is available but not necessarily present in the immediate vicinity. In the context of dental hygiene, applying fluoride varnish is typically performed under indirect supervision. This task is considered a preventive measure and is recognized as a procedure that can be effectively carried out without the dentist being directly present, as long as the hygienist has received proper training and the dentist has authorized the procedure.

Teaching oral hygiene practices and conducting educational programs usually fall under the hygiene professional's responsibilities, but these activities do not fit into the specific category of clinical procedures subject to supervision. Removing calculus deposits, on the other hand, is a clinical task that typically requires direct supervision due to its complexity and the need for a dentist to evaluate the patient's condition beforehand. Thus, applying fluoride varnish stands out as the task that aligns with the requirements of indirect supervision within the dental hygiene practice scope.