A dental assistant in Alabama CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Alabama can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are no x-ray licensing requirements. You can operate and perform x-rays.
– 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 Alabama 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.
An expanded duty dental assistant in Alabama CAN do the following:
– As of the date of this writing, Alabama is in the process of creating an expanded duty requirements for expanded duty dental assistants.
Relevant Links:
– Dental Assisting National Board