A dental assistant in Pennsylvania CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Pennsylvania can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in Pennsylvania for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam,
- Submit an application for authorization to perform dental radiologic procedures to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry (PSBD).
– 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 Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania also offers a certificate in expanded function dental assistant. For more information on the requirements, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
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