Which task can a licensed veterinary technician perform under the supervision of a veterinarian?

A licensed veterinary technician can indeed extract loose teeth by hand under the supervision of a veterinarian. This task falls within the scope of practice for veterinary technicians, particularly when they are trained and certified to perform dental procedures. The supervision ensures that the veterinarian is available to oversee the procedure, ensuring compliance with safety and ethical standards, while still allowing the veterinary technician to utilize their skills and training in oral health care.

In contrast, performing major surgeries independently would typically require a veterinarian’s expertise and is not within a veterinary technician's scope of practice. Diagnosing diseases independently goes beyond a technician’s responsibilities, as that requires a licensed veterinarian's education and authority to conduct such assessments. Furthermore, while veterinary technicians may administer certain types of medications, doing so without supervision, particularly all types, is typically outside of their permitted actions and regulations governing their practice. Thus, the task of extracting loose teeth is the correct and appropriate role for a licensed veterinary technician under proper supervision.