what functions may a registered dental assistant perform after completing a board-approved course?

by Evalyn Reilly 8 min read

Additional responsibilities of an RDAEF include: Packing cord Taking final impressions Placing, contour finishing and adjusting permanent fillings Cementing permanent crowns Sizing, fitting and cementing endodontic master points and accessory points after a root canal

An RDA (registered dental assistant) may be authorized by permit to provide anesthesia assistant duties under the direct or contiguous supervision of a dentist who is authorized by the Board to provide moderate sedation, and/or provide restorative procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Full Answer

Why enroll your dental assistants in expanded duties courses?

Law and regulation specifically define the duties that a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is allowed to perform, the level of dentist supervision required, and the settings in which the duties may be performed. It is a criminal offense to perform illegal functions, as well as grounds for license discipline of both the person performing the illegal function and any person who aid or …

What is a registered dental assistant (RDA)?

On and after January 1, 2010, the Dental Board of California (Board) may license as an RDAEF a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of all the following eligibility requirements: Current licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or completion of the requirements for licensure as an RDA.

What is a practical dental assistant?

As an RDA, you currently perform temporary procedures on patients; however, after earning your RDAEF certification at Howard Academy, you’ll be able perform permanent procedures. Additional responsibilities of an RDAEF include: Packing cord Taking final impressions Placing, contour finishing and adjusting permanent fillings

What are the requirements to become a dental assistant?

According to an ADA survey, dentists who employ assistants with Expanded Duties in their practices report being able to use their time more efficiently and see more patients per day. A dental assistant can perform a variety of routine duties in the dental office and the Expanded Duties program is designed to ensure dental assistants abide by the requirements set by the …

Which function is considered an expanded function of a certified dental assistant?

What are expanded functions? Each state is a different, but some examples of expanded functions are applying sealants, taking impressions, performing coronal polishing, applying topical anesthetic or applying topical fluoride, to name a few.

What are the 5 roles of dental assistant?

6 Dental Assistant Duties You Need to Know AboutHelping patients feel comfortable. ... Teaching patients about oral hygiene. ... Providing patients with follow-up instructions. ... Documenting dental care services. ... Taking and developing X-rays. ... Assist the dentist directly.

What can a RDA do?

RDAs are trained to perform administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling patients for future exams, preparing clinical spaces, assisting the dentist or dental hygienist with a procedure by handing them instruments, taking x-rays, administering topical anesthesia, and other non-invasive clinical tasks.

What are the responsibilities of you as a dental assistant when completing initial consultation?

You should review and update health histories, review the treatment planned for the day and outstanding treatment still to be completed, and ask patients if they have any concerns or questions regarding today's appointment. When speaking with patients, you should always promote the office, doctor, and dental hygienist.

What are 10 duties of a dental assistant?

Duties of a Dental Assistant Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions. Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth) Preparing patients for surgery. Operating equipment and monitors.

What is the most important role of a dental assistant?

Comfort and Listen to Patients One of dental assistants' most important priorities is providing patient care. Oftentimes, patients may feel nervous or uncomfortable about visiting the dental office. Dental assistants play an important role in helping to alleviate any anxiety patients may have.

Can a dental assistant perform a prophylaxis?

Dentists and licensed dental hygienists are the only professionals legally allowed to perform a complete oral prophylaxis. However, some states do permit dental assistants to perform coronal polishing, as long as they have met state requirements.

Can RDA clean teeth?

Does a Dental Assistant Perform a Dentist's Duties? Dental assistants receive training to do basic oral health procedures, but they can't perform invasive ones. By law, they can't clean teeth because this practice requires specialized oral health training.

What is the difference between DA and RDA?

The major difference between Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants lies within the duties that each can perform. Typically, Registered Dental Assistants are permitted to perform a greater number of functions within a dental clinic than unregistered Dental Assistants.

Which is the responsibility of a chairside dental assistant?

Creating, forming, and polishing crowns, temporaries, and dentures. Charting dental histories and any new conditions/symptoms. Scheduling and confirming appointments. Billing and processing insurance information for patients.

What must the dental assistant do during and after a periodontal examination?

Hygiene Instruction and Basic Care Once the periodontist is finished with their procedure, it's the assistant's turn to inform the patient on how to further care for their teeth. This often means giving them basic oral hygiene advice and telling them how to care for any stitches they may have received.

How much do dental assistants make?

Pay. Pay for dental assistants varies depending on experience. New dental assistants usually earn between minimum wage and $46,000 a year. Dental assistants with one to three years' experience usually earn between $46,000 and $55,000.

How to Become a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions

Reciprocity is not offered to practice as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) in California. All persons wishing to perform the functions of an RDAEF in California must complete the licensure process described below.

Application and Examination Requirements

On and after January 1, 2010, the Dental Board of California (Board) may license as an RDAEF a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of all the following eligibility requirements:

What are expanded duties for dentists?

Expanded Duties. Like many dentists, you may be looking for ways to increase your practice’s efficiency, production and revenue. Achieving those goals may be within reach when you enroll your assistants in the GDA Expanded Duties courses. According to an ADA survey, dentists who employ assistants with ​Expanded ​Duties in their practices report ...

How to become a GDA?

To be eligible to attend the GDA Expanded Duties Program the dental assistant must meet one of the following criteria: 1) Possess current certification that the candidate is a Certified Dental Assistant. 2) Be a graduate of a one (1) year accredited dental assisting program or a dental assisting program approved by the Board.

Can you use fluoride varnish on posterior teeth?

Fluoride varnish is also acceptable. 2) Place sealants on a minimum of three posterior teeth. For the required clinical tasks the GDA Expanded Duties program will provide the following: 1) Fluoride treatment—The GDA will provide topical fluoride and disposable trays.

Illinois Dental Assistant Requirements

There are no radiography requirements for dental assistants in Illinois. All dental assistants may legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures.

Indiana Dental Assistant Requirements

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Indiana, a dental assistant must obtain a limited dental radiographic license from the Indiana State Department of Health/Division of Medical Radiology Services.

Iowa Dental Assistant Requirements

To expose radiographs in Iowa, a dental assistant must hold a current registration certificate and active radiography qualification issued by the Iowa Dental Board (IDB) and a dentist must provide general supervision.

Kansas Dental Assistant Requirements

There are no radiography requirements for dental assistants in the state of Kansas. All dental assistants may legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Kentucky Dental Assistant Requirements

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Kentucky, a dental assistant must:

Dental Assistant Requirements in All 50 States

As you can see with the other states explored, requirements do vary greatly from one state to the next.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

Have a minimum of one year of clinical practice as a dental assistant in a state that does not require registration. To qualify as a Certified Level 1 provider, a Registered Dental Assistant must complete a Board-approved training program in all Level 1 expanded functions and receive a certificate of completion. 1.

How old do you have to be to work as a dental assistant in Iowa?

Note: In order to work as a dental assistant in the state of Iowa, an individual must be 17 years of age or older, be a high school graduate or equivalent, and be registered with the Iowa Dental Board and have received a Certificate of Registration.

What is required to be a dental assistant in Iowa?

To expose radiographs in Iowa, a dental assistant must hold a current registration certificate and active radiography qualification issued by the Iowa Dental Board (IDB) and a dentist must provide general supervision. To earn dental radiography qualification, one must:

How to become a Level 1 provider?

To qualify as a Certified Level 1 provider, a Registered Dental Assistant must complete a Board-approved training program in all Level 1 expanded functions and receive a certificate of completion. To qualify for expanded function training, a dental assistant must: 1. Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.

How old do you have to be to get a dental license in Iowa?

Be 17 years of age or older, or. 2. Be enrolled in a cooperative education or work study program through an Iowa high school, AND. 3. Apply to the Iowa Dental Board and receive a certificate of registration.

Admission Requirements

According to the rules of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry 0460-04-.10 eligibility for this course includes: Licensed dental hygienists and registered dental assistants who are currently licensed with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous full-time employment within the past three (3) years in a dental practice as a practicing dental assistant/hygienist are eligible for admission to a board approved certification course in restorative and/or prosthetic functions.

Restorative Functions

Under the direct supervision of our faculty dentist, we teach students how they can place composite and amalgam restorations, with instruction from finishing to polishing. There is training in the proper handling and utilization techniques of composite material, amalgam, glass ionomer, and various dental bases and liners.

Prosthodontic Functions

Under the direct supervision of our faculty dentist, we teach students how to make impressions for crown and bridge procedures and the various techniques for fabrication of temporary crowns. In addition, this course instructs students on how to make custom trays for crown and bridge, and removable prosthetics.

What is a dental assistant?

A Practical Dental Assistant is an auxiliary employee of a licensed dentist who is receiving practical chairside dental assisting training from a licensed dentist or is a dental student in an educational program accredited by CODA.

What certification do you need to be a dental assistant in Tennessee?

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in Tennessee, a dental assistant must hold a certificate in dental radiology from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

What is a RDA in Tennessee?

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Registered Dental Assistants in Tennessee may perform the procedures listed for this level in the state dental practice act. To register as an RDA, one must: 1. Have a high school diploma or GED certificate, AND. 2.

How to become a dental therapist in Tennessee?

1. Have a high school diploma or GED certificate, AND . 2. Be at least 18 years of age, AND. 3. Successfully complete BLS for Healthcare Providers, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, or equivalent course, AND. 4. Successfully complete the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence exam, AND. 5.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Tennessee?

1. Have a minimum of two years of continuous, full-time registered dental assisting employment in the three years prior to enrolling in course, AND. 2. Complete a Tennessee Board-approved certification course, AND.

How to get a sealant certificate in Tennessee?

1. Successfully complete a Tennessee Board-approved course in sealant application (to qualify, one must be a current RDA), or be enrolled in a CODA-accredited or Tennessee Board-approved program which offers such a course, AND. 2. Receive a certificate in sealant application from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.