A dental assistant in Maine CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Maine can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in Maine (from the DANB website):
- Be at least 18 years of age, AND
- Be currently certified in CPR, AND
- Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, AND
- Successfully complete the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, OR Provide official transcript showing proof of completion of a dental radiography course within a CODA-accredited dental assisting program and showing completion of a test in dental radiographic technique and safety, AND
- Successfully complete, with a passing grade of 85 percent, the Maine Board of Dental Examiners’ jurisprudence exam, AND
- Apply for a license from the Maine Board of Dental Examiners.
– 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 Maine 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.
Maine offers 2 expanded duty dental assistant positions:
– DANB Certified dental assistant
– Expanded Function Dental assistant.
– Information on becoming either in Maine can be found on the DANB website
Relevant Links: