Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which duty requires completion of an additional course for a licensed dental assistant to perform?

1. Assist in patient care

2. Remove bond material with rotary instruments after removal of orthodontic appliances

3. Take dental x-rays

4. Perform oral health assessments

The correct answer is: Remove bond material with rotary instruments after removal of orthodontic appliances

A licensed dental assistant is permitted to perform a variety of tasks as part of their role, but certain duties require additional training to ensure that they are performed safely and effectively. In Minnesota dental laws, removing bond material with rotary instruments after orthodontic appliance removal is identified as a duty that necessitates the completion of an additional course. This requirement is in place because the use of rotary instruments can introduce specific risks, such as damage to the tooth structure or improper technique, which could lead to patient harm. Therefore, additional training ensures that dental assistants acquire the necessary skills to handle this equipment proficiently and to understand the anatomical and procedural considerations involved. Assisting in patient care, taking dental x-rays, and performing oral health assessments are responsibilities typically included in the core training for dental assistants without the need for such additional qualifications, reinforcing the importance of targeted training for more complex tasks that might pose risks.