A dental assistant in South Dakota CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in South Dakota can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in South Dakota for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent,
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, or complete a 16-hour South Dakota Board-approved seminar or course of study, or hold a current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification and complete a South Dakota Board-approved course in hands-on film placement and exposure, or hold current registration in another state,
- Apply to the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry for Dental Radiography Licensure.
– 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 South Dakota 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.
South Dakota also offers a certificate in advanced dental assisting. For more information on the requirements, visit the South Dakota Board of Dentistry.
Relevant Links: