Answer
Unlicensed dental assistants are allowed to perform certain duties as stipulated by Minnesota Legislature regulations. These duties include:
- Retracting a patient’s cheek, tongue, or other parts of tissue during a procedure
- Assist with placement or removal of devices as directed by the dentist or dental therapist
- Remove debris or water during treatment using suction devices
- Assisting in placing articles and topical medication in a patient’s oral cavity under supervision of a dentist or dental therapist
In January 2022, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry approved unlicensed dental assistants to perform radiological services after meeting certain requirements, including completing a board approved course in dental radiology.