New Dental Assisting Duties and Standards in 2010
A revised dental assisting structure and many new duties will take effect January 1, 2010. The revised structure preserves the current dental assisting categories and creates two new specialty assisting permits in the fields of orthodontics and dental sedation. These changes are intended to create a meaningful dental assisting career ladder and increase the capacity of general and specialty practices and clinics to provide care.
Required CDPA, Infection Control and BLS Courses: In 2010, dentist employers will be responsible for ensuring dental assistants complete:
- California Dental Practice Act (CDPA) course (within one year of employment)
- Infection control (8-hour) course (within one year of employment) Available online soon – check back for updates
- Basic life support (maintain certification).
New Dental Assistant Duties: Several duties will be added to the allowable duties of an unlicensed dental assistant, including many that are currently within the RDA scope of duties.
New RDA Duties: Next year will also bring an expansion of allowable duties for RDAs, providing opportunity for dental practices to expand the care they provide and create a meaningful career ladder for dental assistants.
New RDAEF Duties: The new RDAEF duties as of January 1, 2010, will provide dentists with opportunities to increase the care provided in dental offices and clinics by maximizing the use and effectiveness of a well-trained dental health team.
New “Add-on” Specialty Permits (Orthodontic and Dental Sedation): Two new “add-on” permits will available to all categories of dental assistants in 2010. The Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) allows duties specific to orthodontic practices, while the Dental Sedation Assistant Permit (DSAP) allows duties specific to assisting in the dentist’s administration of sedation to a patient and in the monitoring of patients under sedation.
The California Association of Orthodontists, the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and dental assisting schools are in the process of developing training programs for the permits. CDA will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Detailed Duties and Education Requirements (all categories): A complete summary of all new duties and requirements as of January 1, 2010.
Additional questions can be directed to the CDA Public Policy division at 916.554.4984.