Do Dental Assistants Clean Teeth?
When you visit the dentist, you often encounter various dental professionals who contribute to your oral health care. Among them, dental assistants play a vital role in ensuring that dental procedures run smoothly and efficiently. However, there is often confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities of dental assistants.
In this article, we break down the scope of practice of dental assistants and answer the question, ‘Do dental assistants clean teeth?’
Table of Contents
Duties of a Dental Assistant
Do dental assistants clean teeth? The roles and responsibilities of dental assistants vary depending on the specific regulations and guidelines established by the state or country in which they work, as well as their level of education and training.
Dental assistants play a vital role in supporting dentistry. The crucial tasks and responsibilities that dental assistants typically perform include:
Direct Patient Care: Greeting and preparing patients for dental procedures, taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, and explaining treatment procedures and post-operative care to patients.
Infection Control: Sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments and equipment while following strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of disease.
Chairside Assistance: Assisting the dentist during procedures by handing them instruments and materials, suctioning and retracting as necessary, and preparing dental materials like fillings and impressions.
Radiography: Taking dental X-rays as directed by the dentist and displaying them as needed.
Office Administration: Scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing and processing insurance claims, and ordering and maintaining dental supplies.
Laboratory Work: Making dental impressions. Fabricating temporary crowns and bridges. Pouring and trimming models.
Patient Education: Providing patients with instructions on proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
Do Dental Assistants Clean Teeth?
The roles of dental assistants continue to expand due to the demand of their patients and to increase access to dental care. Do dental assistants clean teeth? Prophylaxis is the technical term for a dental cleaning and is crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene.
The expansion of dental assistants’ roles to help facilitate dental cleanings is in response to a dental hygienist shortage and to help improve access to care for patients in rural areas.
Where Can Dental Assistants Clean Teeth?
Do dental assistants clean teeth? There are two states in the United States that allow dental assistants to clean teeth. In 1988, Kansas passed a bill to allow dental assistants to clean teeth supragingivally. In 2015, Illinois passed a bill to allow dental assistants to clean teeth supragingivally on children ages 12 and below.
Supragingival cleanings mean that the dental assistant can only clean the teeth above the gum line. Dental assistants ARE NOT allowed to clean subgingivally or below the gumline.
Both states require dental assistants to take a course approved by the local Dental Board jurisdiction. It is also required that they work under the direct supervision of a dentist and a dentist or dental hygienist must complete the rest of the dental cleaning.
Polishing vs Scaling
Scaling the teeth is a dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the surfaces of the teeth using a manual or an ultrasonic instrument.
Polishing the teeth is a dental procedure performed to smooth and clean the surfaces of the teeth, removing minor stains and any remaining plaque and bacteria that weren’t removed during scaling. A handpiece, a polishing cup, and an abrasive paste are used during this procedure.
Dental assistants are allowed to polish the teeth in certain situations in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
It’s important to note the context around scaling and polishing the teeth may vary by state or country. In some cases, dental assistants may be restricted, depending on their level of education and certification.
Dental Hygienists Role in Cleaning Teeth
Do dental assistants clean teeth? The task of cleaning teeth is generally performed by dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are trained and licensed professionals who specialize in preventive oral health, particularly focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.
Dental hygienists study a more in depth level of comprehensive care including oral anatomy, periodontology, pharmacology, pathology, instrumentation, and other studies.
Their specialized training ensures that they can perform cleanings safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of harm to the patient. They are equipped to handle complications and recognize oral health issues that may require further attention.
Support for Dental Assistants and Hygienists
Dental assistants and dental hygienists provide vital roles in dentistry, supporting their patients and their oral health. Both career paths are great options and provide job security for your future.
Check out our articles below for more support in your dental career.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Certain products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
