It is legal for assistants to polish with the proper credentials, but it is NOT legal for them to scale or probe. While the dentist bears the brunt of any possible punitive action, consider a scenario where a patient receives an injury at the hands of the untrained assistant.
Can assistants clean teeth?
Dental Assistants Don’t Actually Clean Teeth Some people confuse dental assistants with dental hygienists. While hygienists clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar, dental assistants don’t handle these responsibilities. However, that doesn’t mean that dental assistants aren’t just as important for office operations.
Can assistants place sealants in Texas?
Note: Effective September 1, 2017, the pit and fissure sealants certificate and coronal polishing certificate, formerly required for dental assistants to qualify to perform these functions in Texas, have been discontinued.
Who can perform teeth whitening in Texas?
The Texas Dental Association wants the legislature to change the law, so that only licensed dentists can perform teeth whitening.
Can dental assistants bleach teeth?
Dental Board regulations were changed effective February 23, 2000, to allow RDAs, under direct supervision, to apply bleaching agents, and to activate bleaching agents with a non-laser light-curing device. Unlicensed dental assistants are not allowed to perform this duty.
Can dental assistants coronal polish?
Is coronal polishing considered an oral prophylaxis? An unlicensed dental assistant may not perform coronal polishing. Only alicensed RDA may perform coronal polishing, AFTER successful completion of a Board-approved course and submission of certification thereof to COMDA.
Can a dental assistant use a high speed handpiece in Texas?
All dental assistants are prohibited from using a high speed hand piece inside the mouth. Successful completion of a Board approved dental assisting program.
Can I be a dental assistant with a felony in Texas?
A person enrolled or planning to enroll in an educational program that prepares the person for licensure as a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant who has reason to believe that he or she may be ineligible for licensure due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or a misdemeanor offense may …
Do you need a license in Texas to do teeth whitening?
No. An esthetician specialty license does not authorize estheticians to use lasers, including lasers for hair removal, skin resurfacing, or teeth whitening.
Can a dentist be a dental assistant in Texas?
A dental assistant in the state of Texas may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Where can I Polish my teeth in Texas?
These states are Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Nevada. Texas assistants now can polish in preparation for placing sealants, but this service cannot be billed as a prophy.
Can a registered dental assistant polish your teeth?
As alluded to above, several states allow the classification of registered dental assistants (RDA). In Arkansas, RDAs can obtain a permit and induce and monitor nitrous oxide, as well as polish the rows of teeth after a scaling.
Can a dental assistant make a dental X-ray?
A dental assistant will not be considered to be positioning, exposing or otherwise making dental x-rays if the dental assistant only performs radiological procedures in the course of training (or for other educational purposes) and is at all times under the direct supervision of the employer dentist.
