Which of the following individuals must be present during general anesthesia or deep sedation?

The requirement for personnel present during general anesthesia or deep sedation stems from the necessity for comprehensive patient safety and monitoring. The correct answer includes the operating dentist, an assistant, and a patient monitor who ensures the patient's vital signs and responsiveness are continuously checked during the procedure.

The presence of a patient monitor is crucial as individuals undergoing general anesthesia or deep sedation are in a state where their airway, cardiovascular function, and overall safety must be vigilantly overseen. This role is distinct from that of the assistant, who may aid with instrument handling and other procedural tasks but is not dedicated solely to monitoring the patient's status.

While having only a dentist and an assistant or a dentist with two assistants might seem sufficient, these configurations lack the critical aspect of dedicated patient monitoring that is essential in sedation scenarios. Additionally, the idea of having two patients is irrelevant since medical supervision focuses on the care and safety of the one individual being sedated. Therefore, the presence of a patient monitor alongside the operating dentist and assistant fulfills the regulatory and safety standards necessary for such medical procedures.