A dental assistant in Michigan CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Michigan can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements. A dental assistant in Michigan must complete a course in dental radiography that is approved by the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
– Place a rubber dam.
– Take blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
– Give oral hygiene instructions.
– Chart and inspect the mouth and teeth.
– Apply fluoride topically.
A dental assistant in Michigan 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 hygienists.
To become an expanded duty dental assistant in Michigan (from the DANB website):
- Receive a degree or certificate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or a school of dental assisting meeting Michigan Board of Dentistry requirements, which includes required instruction in Michigan expanded functions
- Pass the Michigan board comprehensive and clinical exam or pass an equivalent exam in another state (proof of out-of-state licensure required)
- Complete the fingerprinting/criminal background check process
- Apply for a license to the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
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