21 NCAC 16H .0203. PERMITTED FUNCTIONS OF DENTAL ASSISTANT II

(a)  A Dental Assistant II may perform all acts or procedures which may be performed by a Dental Assistant I. In addition, a Dental Assistant II may be delegated the following functions to be performed under the direct control and supervision of a dentist who shall be personally and professionally responsible and liable for any and all consequences or results arising from the performance of such acts and functions:

(1)           Take impressions for study models and opposing casts that will not be used for construction of dental appliances, but that may be used for the fabrication of adjustable orthodontic appliances, nightguards and the repair of dentures or partials;

(2)           Apply sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to the application of such sealants, provided a dentist has examined the patient and prescribed the procedure;

(3)           Insert matrix bands and wedges;

(4)           Place cavity bases and liners;

(5)           Place and remove rubber dams;

(6)           Cement temporary restorations using temporary cement;

(7)           Apply acid etch materials/rinses;

(8)           Apply bonding agents;

(9)           Remove periodontal dressings;

(10          Remove sutures;

(11)         Place gingival retraction cord;

(12)         Remove excess cement;

(13)         Flush, dry and temporarily close root canals;

(14)         Place and remove temporary restorations;

(15)         Place and tie in or untie and remove orthodontic arch wires;

(16)         Insert interdental spacers;

(17)         Fit (size) orthodontic bands or brackets;

(18)         Apply dentin desensitizing solutions;

(19)         Perform extra-oral adjustments which affect function, fit or occlusion of any temporary restoration or appliance;

(20)         Initially form and size orthodontic arch wires and place arch wires after final adjustment and approval by the dentist; and

(21)         Polish the clinical crown using only;

(A)          a hand-held brush and appropriate polishing agents; or

(B)          a combination of a slow speed handpiece (not to exceed 10,000 rpm) with attached rubber cup or bristle brush, and appropriate polishing agents.

(b)  A Dental Assistant II must complete a course in coronal polishing taught by a licensed North Carolina hygienist or dentist lasting at least seven clock hours before using a slow speed handpiece with rubber cup or bristle brush attachment. The course must include instruction on dental morphology, the periodontal complex, operation of handpieces, polishing aids and patient safety.  A coronal polishing procedure shall not be represented to the patient as a prophylaxis and no coronal polishing procedure may be billed as a prophylaxis unless the dentist has also performed an evaluation for calculus, deposits, or accretions and a dentist or dental hygienist has removed any substances detected.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-29(c)(9); 90-48;

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2014; September 1, 2009; September 1, 2008; August 1, 2000; October 1, 1996; January 1, 1994; May 1, 1989; October 1, 1985; March 1, 1985.