A dental assistant in Massachusetts CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Massachusetts can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray (radiography) licensing requirements. These are (from the DANB website):
- Be a Dental Assistant Trained on the Job & Complete a course in radiological techniques and safeguards & Pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or other exam approved by the board, within one year of the course completion,
OR - Be a Massachusetts Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), Certified Assistant (CA), or Formally Trained Dental Assistant (FTDA) [see requirements below] & Successfully complete a course with a curriculum that complies with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards for radiological techniques and safeguards in dentistry.
– Chart and inspect the mouth and teeth.
– Apply fluoride topically.
– Place a rubber dam.
– Take blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
– Give oral hygiene instructions.
A dental assistant in Massachusetts CANNOT do the following:
– Remove stains and deposits from teeth (clean teeth).
– Place sealants on the teeth.
– Apply stainless steel crowns or fillings
– Repairor fill cavities.
– Give or administer anesthetics (shots).
– Any other activities or duties of dentistry that are specifically limited to dentists or dental hygienists.
Relevant Links: