A dental assistant in Illinois CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Illinois 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 under direct supervision.
– 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 Illinois 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 Illinois CAN do the following:
– Coronal polishing
– Placing amalgam restorations
– Application of sealants
– Monitor the patient on nitrous oxide.
– To become an expanded duty dental assistant in Illinois, follow the instructions posted here.
Relevant Links:
– Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation