A dental assistant in Indiana CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Indiana can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are radiography (x-ray) licensing requirements. They are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Successfully complete a CODA-accredited educational program in radiography, or successfully complete an Indiana State Department of Health-approved educational program in radiography, AND THEN
- Be certified by a licensed practitioner or licensed dental hygienist in an approved educational program as proficient in performing the procedures included in the limited dental curriculum, AND THEN
- Pass one or more of the following examinations:
- The national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam
- The national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam
- An exam approved by the Indiana State Department of Health/Division of Medical Radiology Services, AND THEN
- Apply to the Indiana State Department of Health/Division of Medical Radiology Services for a limited radiographic license.
– 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 Indiana 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.
There are two types of expanded duty dental assistants in Indiana:
– A dental assistant qualified in coronal polishing. Instructions on obtaining this license can be found here.
– A dental assistant qualified in applying medicaments for the control or prevention of dental caries. Instructions on obtaining this license can be found here.
Relevant Links: