Dental Assistant Duties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The duties for dental assistants vary among offices in Pennsylvania. Many dentists hire individuals and train them on the job. Other people elect to attend dental assistance school and receive formal training. Many dental assistant programs offer diplomas, degrees or certifications that make students more employable after successfully completing the training.

Office and Laboratory

• Pennsylvania statutes do not have education or training requirements for the dental assistant career. The rules do not specify the duties and responsibilities of a dental assistant, except that dental assistants may perform tasks associated with infection control and safety. They specifically state that assistants may carry out other duties not spelled out in the dental practice regulations.

  Dental assistants carry out administrative and laboratory duties related to client care. Assistants may answer phones, place calls to patients, and obtain and update patients' dental records. Some assistants handle billing and order office supplies. Other responsibilities may include sterilization of instruments and equipment or laying out instruments needed by the dentist.

Patient Treatment

• Dental assistants work under the direct supervision of dentists as the dentist performs procedures. Assistants may seat a patient, and position the chair and prepare him for procedures. A dental assistant hands the dentist instruments or materials. Assistants also use suction hoses to keep the patient's mouth clear and dry during the process. Dental assistants usually give patients instructions from the dentist regarding basic oral health care routines and post-operative care.

Radiography

• To legally operate dental X-ray equipment and carry out dental radiography duties, a dental assistant must pass the Dental Assistant National Board's Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) test and submit an application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. The board will send the applicant an official notice upon approving the application.

Expanded Function Dental Assistant

• Pennsylvania laws cover the responsibilities of an Expanded Function Dental Assistant. Regulations require EFDAs to always operate under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Some of their duties include placement and shaping of amalgam and other restorative products. EFDAs may also perform coronal polishing, provide fluoride treatments and make impressions of patients' teeth for athletic appliances.

  The dental assistant must have a state-approved certification from a two-year Expanded Function Dental Assistants state-approved program, with 75-200 hours of didactic and clinical training, depending on the program. The individual must also pass a Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry written exam and receive certification from the board.