A dental assistant in North Carolina CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in North Carolina can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in North Carolina for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Pass the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, OR
- Pass a radiological equivalency exam recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. The equivalency exam may be taken by an assistant who can show evidence of seven hours of instruction in the production and use of dental x-rays and an educational program of not less than seven hours in clinical dental radiography, OR
- Successfully complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
- Qualify as a DA II (see DA II requirements below)
– 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 North Carolina 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.
North Carolina also offers a certificate in coronal polishing. For more information on the requirements, visit the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
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