A dental assistant in Oregon CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Oregon can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in Oregon for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Complete a course approved by the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Public Health Division, Office of Environmental Public Health, Radiation Protection Services, or the Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD) or submit evidence of equivalent training,
- Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam,
- Pass the Oregon Clinical Radiologic Proficiency exam administered by DANB (radiographs must be submitted for grading within six months after they are taken),
- OR
- Complete one of the following two requirements and apply to the Oregon Board of Dentistry for a state certificate of radiologic proficiency by credential:
- Be certified in another state that has training and certification requirements substantially similar to Oregon’s,
- Obtain verification from an employer dentist that the assistant has been employed for at least 1,000 hours in the past two years as a dental assistant (in a state other than Oregon) and is competent to take radiographs.
– 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 Oregon 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.
Oregon also offers a certificate in expanded duty dental assisting. For more information on the requirements, visit the Oregon Board of Dentistry.
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