A dental assistant in Mississippi CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Mississippi can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– To take radiographs (x-rays) in Mississippi, you must (from the DANB website):
- Hold a current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, or Successfully complete a Mississippi Board-approved radiology seminar and exam within 90 days prior to application, or Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program within 12 months prior to application, or Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program more than 12 months prior to application for permit and provide sworn statements related to employment and administration of radiographs within the five-year period preceding application,
- Apply to the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners for a radiology permit.
– 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi CAN do the following:
– As of the date of this writing, Mississippi is in the process of creating an expanded duty requirements for expanded duty dental assistants.
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