Iowa Code r. 481-575.4 - Scope of practice
(1) In all
instances, a dentist assumes responsibility for determining, on the basis of
diagnosis, the specific treatment patients will receive and which aspects of
treatment may be delegated to qualified personnel as authorized in these
rules.
(2) A licensed dentist may
delegate to a dental assistant those procedures for which the dental assistant
has received training. This delegation shall be based on the best interests of
the patient and performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist and may
include:
a. Placement and removal of dry
socket medication;
b. Placement of
periodontal dressings;
c. Testing
pulp vitality;
d. Preliminary
charting of existing dental restorations and teeth;
e. Glucose testing;
f. Phlebotomy;
g. Securing orthodontic wire with elastic
chains, rubber bands, and ligature wire; and
h. Expanded function procedures in accordance
with 481-Chapter 577.
(3)
The dentist will exercise supervision and is fully responsible for all acts
performed by a dental assistant. A dentist may not delegate to a dental
assistant any of the following, unless allowed pursuant to 481-Chapter 577:
a. Diagnosis, examination, treatment
planning, or prescription, including prescription for drugs and medicaments or
authorization for restorative, prosthodontic or orthodontic
appliances.
b. Surgical procedures
on hard and soft tissues within the oral cavity and any other intraoral
procedure that contributes to or results in an irreversible alteration to the
oral anatomy.
c. Administration of
local anesthesia.
d. Placement of
sealants.
e. Removal of any plaque,
stain, or hard natural or synthetic material except by toothbrush, floss, or
rubber cup coronal polish, or removal of any calculus.
f. Dental radiography, unless the assistant
is qualified pursuant to this chapter.
g. Those procedures that require the
professional judgment and skill of a dentist.
Notes
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