Action | Registration and practice of dental assistants |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/12/2008 |
It is understandable that many people are concerned about allowing dental assistants to perform functions that have been the responsibility of dentists and dental hygienists. Yet a number of states allow for expanded-duties dental assistants. Even so, the concern for the well-being of the patient still exists.
Certain reversible procedures can easily be performed by dental assistants: placement of retraction cord, taking impressions, and polishing restorations, to name a few. Removing supra-gingival tartar in children should be one of them. Removing supragingivial and subgingival tartar in adults should not. These procedures are best left to a skilled dental hygienist or dentist.