Illinois § 17.1

§ 17.1.

Expanded function dental assistants. (a) A dental assistant who has completed training as provided in subsection (b) of this Section in all of the following areas may hold himself or herself out as an expanded function dental assistant: (1) Taking material or digital scans for final impressions after completing a training program that includes either didactic objectives or clinical skills and functions that demonstrate competency. (2) Performing pulp vitality test after completing a training program that includes either didactic objectives or clinical skills and functions that demonstrate competency. (3) Placing, carving, and finishing of amalgam restorations and placing, packing, and finishing composite restorations as allowed under Section 17. (3.5) Coronal scaling as allowed under Section 17. (4) Starting the flow of oxygen and monitoring of nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia as allowed under Section 17. (5) Coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealants as allowed under Section 17. (6) Intracoronal temporization of a tooth. All procedures listed in paragraphs (1) through (6) for dental assistants must be performed under the supervision of a dentist, requiring the dentist authorizes the procedure, remains in the dental facility while the procedure is performed, and approves the work performed by the dental assistant before dismissal of the patient, but the dentist is not required to be present at all times in the treatment room. After the completion of training as provided in subsection (b) of this Section, an expanded function dental assistant may perform any of the services listed in this subsection (a) pursuant to the limitations of this Act. (b) Certification and training as an expanded function dental assistant must be obtained from one of the following sources: (i) an approved continuing education sponsor; (ii) a dental assistant training program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; or (iii) a training program approved by the Department. Training required under this subsection (b) must also include Basic Life Support certification, as described in Section 16 of this Act. Proof of current certification shall be kept on file with the supervising dentist. (c) Any procedures listed in subsection (a) that are performed by an expanded function dental assistant must be approved by the supervising dentist and examined prior to dismissal of the patient. The supervising dentist shall be responsible for all dental services or procedures performed by the dental assistant. (d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to alter the number of dental assistants that a dentist may supervise under paragraph (g) of Section 17 of this Act. (e) Nothing in this Act shall: (1) require a dental assistant to be certified as an expanded function dental assistant or (2) prevent a dentist from training dental assistants in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 or 17.1 of this Act or rules pertaining to dental assistant duties. (Source: P.A. 101-162, eff. 7-26-19; 102-936, eff. 1-1-23.)