A dental assistant in California CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in California can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– An unlicensed dental assistant in California must complete the following within 120 days of continuous employment:
- A board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act.
- A board-approved 8 hour course in infection control.
- A course in basic life support offered by an instructor approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, or any other course approved by the board as equivalent and that provides the student the opportunity to engage in hands-on simulated clinical scenarios.
- The employer of a dental assistant shall be responsible for ensuring that the dental assistant maintains certification in basic life support.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements. A dental assistant in California must complete the following:
- A California Board of Dental Examiners-approved radiation safety course
- Submit the certificate of completion to the board
– 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 California CANNOT do the following:
– Remove stains and deposits from teeth (clean teeth).
– Place sealants on the teeth.
– Apply stainless steel crowns or fillings
– Repair or fill cavities.
– Give or administer anesthetics (shots).
– Any other activities or duties of dentistry that are specifically limited to dentists or dental hygenists.
A registered dental assistant in California CAN do the following:
– To become a Registered Dental Assistant:
- Graduate from a board approved assisting course OR complete 15 months as an unlicensed dental assistant in California
- Complete a California Board of Dental Examiners-approved radiation safety course and coronal polishing course
- Complete a California Board of Dental Examiners-approved infection control course
- Complete a course in Basic Life Support
- Pass the California Board of Dental Examiners written and practical exam AND law and ethics exam
- Apply for licensure with the California Board of Dental Examiners
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