In the States, Legislation Could Change Role of Dental Assistants
If you’re planning a career as a dental assistant in the United States rather than Canada, you should take note: Legislation that is gaining popularity could affect you directly.
It started in the State of Pennsylvania. The Senate of that state recently passed HB 602 on a 49 – 0 vote. The legislation passed will now allow dental assistants known as expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs) to perform more services within the dental office and clinic.
The bill was introduced by State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski when Governor Rendell enacted a law that allows hygienists to practice as public health dental hygienists in public settings. The Pennsylvania Dental Association believes that this law left a gap in dental offices and clinics that employed hygienists that have chosen to practice in public settings. Pashinski’s legislation (H.B. 602) would also allow patients to have improved access to better dental care by letting dental assistants perform dental services that they previously could not perform. As law stood before this law passed, certain procedures could only be done by dental hygienists.
Expansion of dental assistant duties will allow these dental professionals to support the dentists in areas traditionally reserved for the hygienists. Under the legislation, for the first time, dental assistants will be authorized to do things such as providing fluoride treatment, taking impressions for mouth guards and polishing teeth. Delegating these duties to expanded function dental assistants will also free other dental team members to see more patients in need of professional dental care.
Studies show that passing similar legislation in Kansas resulted in a dramatic increase of access to dental care and decreased overhead operating costs. The bill would also ensure that expanded function dental assistants are represented on the State Board of Dentistry.
While the bill awaits Governor Rendell’s signature, it has yet to be determined if the shift of responsibility will result in any changes to the current expanded function dental assistant curriculum and state certification process.
In the meantime, because the bill was seen to have worked so well in Kansas, and is expected to do similarly well in Pennsylvania, it’s thought that other states will soon be following suit.
Some dental assistants might be intimidated by having to assume new responsibilities that were once the duties of hygienists. Most, though, should welcome the new duties and the increased pay that comes with them.
Complete State-by-State information on Dental Assistants
Dental Assistants and Hygienist Career Page
Dental Hygienist (NBDHE) Certification
