Which of the following roles requires a dental assistant to have additional training in expanded functions?

The role of a registered dental assistant indeed requires additional training in expanded functions. This is because registered dental assistants are responsible for more advanced duties that go beyond basic assisting tasks. In many states, including Iowa, these expanded functions can include responsibilities like taking dental radiographs, applying sealants, and performing certain procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

In comparison, a trainee is typically in the process of gaining basic skills and does not yet have the qualifications necessary for expanded functions. A licensed dentist has comprehensive training and is authorized to perform a wide array of dental procedures independently, making additional training for expanded functions unnecessary in this context. Public health hygienists primarily focus on prevention and education in community settings, often involving no hands-on treatments that require expanded function training typically required for those in assisting roles.

This distinction highlights the requirement for registered dental assistants to pursue further education and licensure to engage in functions that support dental procedures effectively while ensuring compliance with state regulations.