N.J. Admin. Code § 13:30-2.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:30-2.6 - Scope of practice of unregistered dental assistant

(a) A dental assistant who has not obtained a registration from the Board may perform the following duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist:

1. Make radiographic exposures as permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:2D-24 et seq.;

2. Provide oral health education including dietary analysis and clinical instruction in order to promote dental health;

3. Apply topical anesthetic agents;

4. Take and record vital signs;

5. Retract patient's cheek, tongue or other tissue parts during a dental procedure;

6. Remove such debris as is normally created in the course of treatment during or after dental procedures by vacuum devices, compressed air, mouthwashes and water;

7. Isolate the operative field, not to include rubber dams;

8. Trial size (pre-select) orthodontic bands, wires, stainless steel crown, and temporary crowns on a diagnostic model only;

9. Use a curing light in any dental procedure. Such curing light shall not include a laser capable of altering, cutting, burning, or damaging hard or soft tissue or for electrosurgery for tissue retraction;

10. Take dental photographs including the use of intra-oral cameras;

11. Select shades for prosthetic appliances;

12. Apply hot or cold packs pursuant to the direction of a licensed dentist; and

13. Assist a licensed dentist in the administration of nitrous oxide, provided the licensed dentist is physically present in the operatory at all times during the procedure.

(b) An unregistered dental assistant may provide a written work authorization for emergency repair of a dental prosthesis provided that the prosthesis shall not require any intra-oral procedure and shall be thereafter inserted by a licensed dentist.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:30-2.6

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 1282(a), effective 5/21/2018