Government
Relations

September, 2008
Update

August, 2008
Update

May, 2008
Update

Alliance Synopsis AB2637

Leslie Canham, RDA
Government Relations Chair
leslie@lesliecanham.com

Legislative Update

(May 1, 2010)

Excerpts from the Dental Practice Act and Regulations Related to Dental Assisting

This document contains statutes and regulations (collectively referred to as "laws") that specifically affect dental assisting.

• This document does NOT contain all of the laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry. To view all current statutes, go to leginfo.ca.gov - the statutes governing dentistry are in the Business and Professions Code beginning at Section 1600. To view all current regulations, go to www.oal.ca.gov - enter Title 16, and the regulation number, which begin at section 1000.
• As used in this document, the term "B&P" means the Business and Professions Code, while "regulation" means the regulations adopted by the Dental Board and contained in Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, beginning at section 1000. In addition, the Dental Board of California is referred to in this document as "the Board".
• The text of the actual statutes and regulations appear in regular text, while explanatory notes and headings appear in italic text. The terms "B&P" and "Regulation" precede each section only to identify whether they are statute or regulation; they are not part of the language of the actual statute or regulation. In addition, headings in parenthesis (heading) at the beginning of a B&P section are for clarity only, and are not a part of the actual statute.
• The laws are not in numerical order. They have been re-arranged by subject matter for ease of reference.
• This document is current as of the date contained in the footnote. Since laws change frequently as the result of legislation or regulatory action, the actual laws should be consulted in serious matters. This document is intended only as a general reference.

Ultrasonic Scaling and Pit and Fissure Sealants

RDAs will continue to be allowed to perform ultrasonic scaling and apply pit and fissure sealants if the RDA has completed a board-approved course in these duties. New B&P Section 1752.6 will require that RDAs who become licensed on and after January 1, 2010, complete a board-approved course in the application of pit and fissure sealants as a condition of the first renewal that requires CE.

Orthodontic Assistant Permit and Dental Sedation Assistant Permit

Existing RDAs will be allowed to apply for a permit as an Orthodontic Assistant (OA) and/or Dental Sedation Assistant (DSA).

RDAs will be allowed to continue to perform the overlapping OA duties that they are currently allowed to perform without seeking an OA permit (placing ligature ties and archwires, removing orthodontic bands, and removing excess cement from tooth surfaces with a hand instrument), and RDAs applying for an OA permit will not be required to complete further training in such duties.

An RDA may apply for an OA permit or a DSA permit, or both, by completing the applicable board-approved course, and passing a written examination.

An RDA with permits in either orthodontic assisting or dental sedation assisting shall be referred to as an "RDA with orthodontic assistant permit," or "RDA with dental sedation assistant permit," as applicable. Completion of the CE requirements by an RDA who also holds a permit will fulfill the CE for the permit or permits.

Future RDA Licensure Requirements. B&P Section 1752.1 will require that all applicants for RDA licensure on and after January 1, 2010, must have completed a board-approved course in the California Dental Practice Act, an 8-hour board-approved course in infection control, and a course in basic life support within five years prior to application. B&P Section 1752.1 requires that individuals applying after January 1, 2010 must also pass a written examination in Law and Ethics. The 12-month requirement for the work experience pathway to licensure will be changed to 15 months.