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

(a)  A Dental Assistant II may perform all acts or procedures that may be performed by a Dental Assistant I as set forth in 21 NCAC 16H .0201. 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 responsible for any and all consequences or results arising from the performance of such acts and functions, provided that the dentist first examined the patient and prescribed the procedure:

(1)           taking impressions for study models and opposing casts that may be used for the construction of temporary or permanent dental appliances, adjustable orthodontic appliances, nightguards and the repair of dentures or partials;

(2)           applying sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to the application of such sealants;

(3)           inserting matrix bands and wedges;

(4)           placing cavity bases and liners;

(5)           placing and removing rubber dams;

(6)           cementing temporary restorations using temporary cement;

(7)           applying acid etch materials and rinses;

(8)           applying bonding agents;

(9)           removing periodontal and surgical dressings;

(10)         removing sutures;

(11)         placing and removing gingival retraction cord;

(12)         removing excess cement with hand scaler supragingivally;

(13)         flushing, drying, and temporarily closing root canals or pulpotomies;

(14)         placing and removing temporary restorations;

(15)         placing and tying in or untying and removing orthodontic arch wires, ligature wires, or lock pins;

(16)         inserting interdental spacers;

(17)         fitting (sizing) orthodontic bands or brackets;

(18)         applying dentin desensitizing solutions;

(19)         performing extra-oral adjustments that affect function, fit, or occlusion of any restoration or appliance;

(20)         initially forming and sizing orthodontic arch wires and placing arch wires after final adjustment and approval by the dentist;

(21)         polishing the clinical crown, pursuant to Paragraph (b) of this Rule using only:

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

(22)         exposing radiographs and cone beam images;

(23)         polishing removable appliances extra-orally;

(24)         preparing and loading amalgam in carrier;

(25)         measuring pulse, blood pressure, and temperature;

(26)         using micro-etcher extra-orally;

(27)         placing a throat shield in oropharynx during administration of general anesthesia;

(28)         delivering dentures to patient for insertion, provided the dentist approves the denture placement; or

(29)         removing or replacing healing abutments or cover screws for implants that may be accessed supragingivally.

(b)  A Dental Assistant II shall complete a course in coronal polishing identical to that taught in an ADA accredited dental assisting program, or 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 shall include instruction on dental morphology, the periodontal complex, operation of handpieces, polish aids, and patient safety. A list of ADA accredited programs offering courses in coronal polishing, which is incorporated by reference along with its subsequent amendments and editions, is available at no cost on the American Dental Association's website at http://www.ada.org/en/coda/find-a-program. A coronal polishing procedure shall not be represented to the patient as a prophylaxis. No coronal polishing procedure may be billed as a prophylaxis unless the dentist has 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); 90-41; 90-48;

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2016; April 1, 2015; 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;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2018.