Utah Admin. Code R156-69-603 - Use of Unlicensed Individuals as Dental Assistants

Under Section 58-69-803, the standards regulating the use of unlicensed individuals as dental assistants are that an unlicensed individual may not, under any circumstance:

(1) provide definitive treatment diagnosis;

(2) place, condense, carve, finish, or polish restorative materials, or perform final cementation;

(3) cut hard or soft tissue or extract teeth;

(4) remove stains, deposits, or accretions, except as is incidental to polishing teeth coronally with a rubber cup;

(5) initially introduce nitrous oxide and oxygen to a patient for establishing and recording a safe plane of analgesia for the patient, except under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist after a baseline percentage and flow rate suitable for the patient is established and documented by a licensed dentist holding the appropriate permit;

(6) remove bonded materials from teeth with a rotary dental instrument or use any rotary dental instrument within the oral cavity, except to polish teeth coronally with a rubber cup;

(7) take jaw registrations or oral impressions for supplying artificial teeth as substitutes for natural teeth, including electronic imaging, except for diagnostic or opposing models for the fabrication of temporary or provisional restorations or appliances;

(8) correct or attempt to correct the malposition or malocclusion of teeth, or make an adjustment that will result in the movement of teeth upon an appliance that is worn in the mouth;

(9) perform sub-gingival instrumentation;

(10) provide decisions concerning the use of drugs, including their dosage or prescription;

(11) expose radiographs without meeting the following qualifications:

(a) completing a dental assisting course accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation; or

(b) passing one of the following examinations:

(i) the DANB Radiation Health and Safety Examination (RHS); or

(ii) a radiology exam approved by the Board that covers the topics in Section R156-69-604;

(12) work without a current CPR or BCLS certification;

(13) provide injection of any substance;

(14) start an intravenous (IV) line or administer medication in an IV line;

(15) convert a denture into a fixed implant prosthesis, also known as performing a conversion; or

(16) adjust a permanent or final prosthetic, removable or fixed, that is worn by a patient or will be worn by a patient.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R156-69-603

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-06, effective 3/10/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-07, effective 3/27/2023