What can dental assistants do after completing board-approved expanded functions training in 2020?

After completing board-approved expanded functions training, dental assistants are authorized to perform certain specific duties that enhance their role in the dental practice. One of these duties includes placing sealants. Sealants are a preventive treatment used to protect teeth, particularly molars, from decay by filling in grooves and pits where bacteria can accumulate. This function falls under the expanded duties that dental assistants are trained for, and it is within their scope of practice following the completion of the appropriate training.

In contrast, administering local anesthesia, prescribing medications, and performing root canals require additional education and licensing, typically reserved for dentists or dental hygienists with specific qualifications. This distinction ensures that dental procedures are performed safely and effectively by professionals trained for those specific duties.