In North Carolina,
there are two classifications for Dental Assistants
(DAI and DAII.) North Carolina does NOT certify
assistants. Classification is based on experience
and/or training as listed below. It is up
to the employer to verify an assistant's qualifications
and determine if he/she is a DAI or DAII.
To
be classified as a Dental Assistant II, an assistant
must meet one (1) of the following criteria:
1)
successful completion of:
a) an ADA-accredited
dental assisting program and current certification
in CPR; or
b) one academic
year or longer in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene
program, and current certification in CPR
2)
successful completion of:
a) full-time
employment and experience as a chairside assistant
for two years (3,000 hours) of the preceding five,
during which period the assistant may be trained
in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform
the functions of a Dental
Assistant II under the direct control and supervision
of a licensed dentist;
b) a 3-hour
course in sterilization and infection control;
c) a 3-hour
course in dental office emergencies;
d) radiology
training consistent with G.S. 90-29(s)(12);and
e) current
certification in CPR; or
3)
successful completion of the certification examination
administered by the Dental Assisting National Board,
and current certification in CPR.
Radiography
Requirement
A certified dental assistant [(one who successfully
completes the DANB exam (see (3) above)] or an assistant
who completes an ADA-accredited dental assisting
or dental hygiene program may take radiographs without
further examination. All others, including those
who move to North Carolina from out-of-state,
must successfully pass an equivalency exam. This
exam may be challenged after completing "seven
hours of instruction in the production and use of
dental x-rays and an education program of not less
than seven hours in clinical dental radiology."
You must be able to prove that you have the minimal
amount of training to be eligible to take the radiology
equivalency exam, or you may take a course prior
to taking the exam. Any Board approved radiography
course is acceptable and any approved course's final
examination is recognized as the equivalency exam.
DELEGABLE
FUNCTIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AS OF AUGUST 1, 2000
*subject
to change*
FUNCTION
DAI
DAII
RDH
Take
Impressions for Study Models & Opposing Casts
X
X
Apply
Sealants after DDS has Examined Patient & Prescribed
Procedure
X
X
Insert
Matrix Bands and Wedges
X
X
Place
Cavity Bases and Liners
X
X
Place
and/or remove Rubber Dams
X
X
Cement
Temp. Restorations using Temp. Cement
X
X
Apply
Acid Etch Materials/Rinses
X
X
Apply
Bonding Agents
X
X
Remove
Periodontal Dressings
X
X
Remove
Sutures
X
X
Place
Gingival Retraction Cord
X
X
Remove
Excess Cement
X
X
Flush,
Dry & Temporarily Close Root Canals
X
X
Place
& Remove Temp. Restorations
X
X
Place
& Tie In or Untie & Remove Ortho. Arch Wires
X
X
Insert
Interdental Spacers
X
X
Fit
(size) Orthodontic Bands or Brackets
X
X
Apply
Dentin Desensitizing Solutions
X
X
Perform
Periodontal Screening
X
Perform
Periodontal Probing
X
Perform
Subgingival Exploration for or Removal of Hard or
Soft Deposits
X
Perform
Sulcular Irrigation
X
Apply
Sulcular Antimicrobial or Antibiotic Agents which
are Resorbable
X
Perform
Extra-Oral Adjustments of any Temp. Restoration
or Appliance
X3
X
X
Initially
Form & Size Orthodontic Arch Wires & Place
Arch Wires after Final Adjustment & Approval
by DDS
X
X
Apply
Topical Anesthetics/DentiPatchâ
X
X
X
Apply
Topical Fluoride
X
X
X
Expose
Radiographs
X1
X1
X
Write
Laboratory Work Orders
X2
X2
X
Write
Prescriptions (Drugs)
X2
X2
X
Remove
Sutures
X
X
Polish
Dentures
X3
X3
X
Take
wax bites
X
X
Monitor
Pt.'s under Nitrous Oxide
X4
X4
X
Oral
Hygiene Instruction
X
X
X
Polish
Coronal Portion of Tooth -X6
X5
X
Place
Amalgam in Prep w/ Carrier
X
X
X
Take
Pulse, Blood Pressure & Temperature
X
X
X
Place
Ligature Wire or Lock Pins
X
X
Insert
Spacer Wires or Springs
X
X
1-After
satisfactory completion of ONE of the following: (1) the
North Carolina radiography equivalency examination, (2)
dental assisting school (an ADA-accredited program), (3)
the Dental Assisting National Board examination (1-800-367-3262),
or (4) classification as a DAII in North Carolina.
2
- Exact words must be dictated by the dentist
3
- Extra-orally, upon instruction by the dentist and re-insertion
by the dentist
4
- After completing a 7-hour Board-approved course in nitrous
oxide-oxygen conscious sedation, unless included in ADA-accredited
program (DAII).
5
- After completing a 7-hour (3 hours didactic, 4 hours
clinical) course in coronal polishing.
6
- Use of a hand-held brush & appropriate polishing
agents OR a combination of a slow-speed handpiece
(not to exceed 10,000 rpm) with an attached rubber cup
or bristle brush and appropriate polishing agents.
