Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A limited registration dental assistant is allowed to perform which of the following functions?

1. Monitor a patient under general anesthesia

2. Take radiographs

3. Administer local anesthesia

4. Remove sutures

The correct answer is: Take radiographs

A limited registration dental assistant in Minnesota is permitted to perform certain specific functions that are clearly defined by the state's dental practice regulations. In this context, taking radiographs is one of the functions assigned to dental assistants, and limited registration allows them to do so under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Taking radiographs requires a foundational understanding of radiation safety and technical skills in operating radiographic equipment, which is typically included in the training for dental assistants. This task is essential in dental practices, as radiographs play a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment planning. In contrast, monitoring a patient under general anesthesia, administering local anesthesia, and removing sutures typically require more advanced training and certification, which are not within the scope of practice for a limited registration dental assistant. These tasks are usually reserved for licensed dental professionals. Therefore, the ability to take radiographs stands out as a task a limited registration dental assistant is specifically trained and allowed to perform.