Scope of Practice Changes for Registered Dental Assistants & Dental Hygienists

A New York State licensed registered dental assistant may perform the following new supportive services under a licensed dentist's direct personal supervision in the performance of dentistry:

• take impressions for space maintainers, orthodontic appliances, and occlusal guards
• remove temporary cement (not including temporary fillings)
• apply topical anticariogenic agents to the teeth
• apply desensitizing agents to the teeth
• place and remove temporary separating devices
• place orthodontic ligatures

Registered dental assistants can provide these services based on instructions provided in the course of the procedure by a licensed dentist who remains in the dental office where the supportive services are being performed. The supervising dentist must personally diagnose the condition to be treated, personally authorize the procedure, and evaluate the services provided by the registered dental assistant before the patient leaves the office.

Yes, a licensed dental hygienist or dentist, a dental assistant who has been issued a limited permit to practice, or a student in a dental hygiene program or a dental assisting program registered by the New York State Education Department as meeting the educational requirement for licensure may also perform these functions as part of that course of study. No other person may provide these services.

Currently licensed New York State registered dental assistants must be able to provide these additional supportive services and other professional duties competently. Additional educational and training may be required to competently provide these services.

Yes. All supportive services performed by New York State licensed registered dental assistants may be performed by currently registered dental hygienists under a dentist's supervision. The Regulations clarify which of the six new services, as well as which of three previously approved services, are required to be provided under the general or personal supervision of a licensed dentist.

The three new supportive services that may be performed under the general supervision of a licensed dentist are:

• apply desensitizing agents
• apply topical anticariogenic agents to the teeth
• remove temporary cement (not including temporary fillings)

General supervision means that the supervising dentist must authorize the dental hygienist to perform these services and be available for consultation, diagnosis, and evaluation.

The three new and three previously approved dental services that may be performed under the personal supervision of a licensed dentist are:

• take impressions for space maintainers, orthodontic appliances, and occlusal guards
• place and remove temporary separating devices
• place orthodontic ligatures
• select and prefit provisional crowns (previously approved service)
• select and prefit orthodontic bands (previously approved service)
• remove orthodontic arch wires and ligature ties (previously approved service)

Personal supervision means that the supervising dentist must be in the dental office or facility and must diagnose the condition to be treated, personally authorize the procedure, and personally examine the patient when the treatment is completed and before the patient leaves the office or facility.

New York State licensed dental hygienists must be able to perform these new supportive services and all other professional duties competently. Additional education and training may be required to competently provide these services.

For additional information, you may contact the State Board for Dentistry by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 550 or by e-mailing dentbd@nysed.gov.