Iowa § 153.38 - 153.38 Dental assistants — scope of practice.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 153.38 — 153.38 Dental assistants — scope of practice., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 153.38. 153.38 Dental assistants — scope of practice.
A dental assistant may perform those services of assistance to a licensed dentist as determined by the board by rule. A dental assistant with additional education and training, as provided by the board by rule, may perform expanded functions or participate in dental radiography. A dental assistant who has successfully completed expanded function training through the university of Iowa college of dentistry or a program certified by the commission on dental accreditation may place dental sealants on teeth. Services performed by a dental assistant shall be performed under supervision of a licensed dentist, but this section shall not be construed to authorize a dental assistant to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The board shall not adopt rules that delegate to a dental assistant the administration of local anesthesia or the removal of plaque, stain, calculus, or hard natural material except by toothbrush, floss, or rubber cup coronal polish. Every licensed dentist who utilizes the services of a dental assistant for the purpose of assistance in the practice of dentistry shall be responsible for acts delegated to the dental assistant. A dentist shall delegate to a dental assistant only those acts which are authorized to be delegated to dental assistants by the board. For the purposes of this section, “dental assistant” includes registered dental assistants and dental assistants without a certificate of registration. 2000 Acts, ch 1002, §5; 2007 Acts, ch 10, §141; 2020 Acts, ch 1018, §3; 2025 Acts, ch 41, §4 Section amended Wed Dec 10 23:03:15 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 153.38 (22, 3)
Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 153.38
What does Iowa Code § 153.38 cover?
Section 153.38 ("153.38 Dental assistants — scope of practice.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Iowa § 153.38?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 153.38" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Iowa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.
How does Iowa § 153.38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.