A dental assistant in New Jersey CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in New Jersey can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in New Jersey for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Successfully complete high school or its equivalent,
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be of good moral character,
- Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam within the five years prior to application, or hold current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, AND
- Successfully complete a New Jersey State-approved dental radiography course or its equivalent,
- Apply for licensure to the State of New Jersey Bureau of X-Ray Compliance.
– 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 New Jersey 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.
New Jersey also offers a certificate in coronal polishing. For more information on the requirements, visit the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.
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