9005

SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

9005.1 Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9005, a dentist may delegate to a dental assistant only those procedures which are:

(a) Appropriate to the training and experience of the dental assistant and the practice of the supervising dentist;

(b) Reversible; and

(c) To be performed under the direct supervision of the dentist.

9005.2 Except as provided in Subsection 9005.3 of this chapter, a dental assistant shall not place or expose dental x-ray film unless he or she has:

(a) Satisfactorily completed a radiation course or examination recognized by the American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP);

(b) Been certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists;

(c) Satisfactorily completed a radiation course and passed an examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board; or

(d) Been grandfathered in pursuant to the following section.

9005.3 A dentist may permit an assistant who does not meet the requirements of Subsection 9005.2 to place or expose dental x-ray film if:

(a) The assistant has completed in-office training;

(b) The assistant has demonstrated competency to perform the task to the supervising dentist's satisfaction; and

(c) The assistant registers no later than September 17, 2012.

9005.4 Except as provided in Subsection 9005.5 of this chapter, the following dental procedures shall only be delegated to a dental assistant who:

(a) Has satisfactorily completed a training program approved by CERP-approved program, a training program or course recognized by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); and

(b) Performs the tasks under direct supervision with the supervising dentist checking and approving the completed task prior to dismissal of the patient from the office:

(1) Placement of retraction cord;

(2) Placement or removal of matrices;

(3) The application of a medicinal agent to a tooth for a prophylactic purpose;

(4) Placement of periodontal dressings;

(5) Removal of temporary restorations without the use of a rotary instrument;

(6) Removal of sutures; and

(7) Whitening.

9005.5 A dentist may delegate performance of a task set forth in Subsection 9005.4 of this chapter to a dental assistant who does not meet the training requirements in Subsection 9005.4(1), if:

(a) The assistant had been performing the task on the effective date of these regulations;

(b) The assistant has demonstrated competency to perform the task to the supervising dentist's satisfaction; and

(c) The assistant registers no later than September 17, 2012

9005.6 A dentist shall not delegate to a dental assistant any of the following procedures:

(a) Those procedures excluded by 17 DCMR § 4215.1;

(b) A preliminary dental examination;

(c) A complete prophylaxis, including the removal of any deposits, diseased crevicular tissue, accretion, or stain from the surface of a tooth or a restoration;

(d) The intraoral polishing of a tooth or a restoration;

(e) The charting of cavities during preliminary examination, prophylaxis, or polishing, however a dentist may permit an assistant to record the charting of cavities as dictated by the dentist or dental hygienist during the course of a preliminary examination or dental procedure;

(f) The instruction of individuals or groups of individuals in oral health care, unless it is in the dental office and done as instructed by the dentist;

(g) The application of pit and fissure sealants;

(h) Diagnostic screening to identify indications of oral abnormalities;

(i) Administration of local anesthesia with board identified criteria and certification;

(j) Administration of nitrous oxide with board identified criteria and certification;

(k) Placement of temporary restorations; or

(l) Taking final impressions.

SOURCE: Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 852, 5853 (July 15, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 60 DCR 2401 (March 1, 2013).