Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0460 - Dentistry
Chapter 0460-04 - Rules Governing the Practice of Dental Assistants
Section 0460-04-.01 - LEVELS OF PRACTICE

Current through September 24, 2024

It is the intent of the Board to authorize two distinct levels of practice for dental assistants in dental offices in Tennessee.

(1) Practical Dental Assistants

(a) Definition - A practical dental assistant is an auxiliary employee of a licensed dentist(s) who is receiving practical chair side dental assisting training from a licensed dentist(s) or is a dental assistant student in an educational institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

(b) Scope of Practice
1. A practical dental assistant must be under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

2. It is the intent of this rule that practical dental assistants not invade the practice procedures only allowed to be assigned or delegated to registered dental assistants or licensed dental hygienists.

(2) Registered Dental Assistant

(a) Definition - A dental assistant who has received a registration from the Board pursuant to rule 0460-04-.02.

(b) Scope of Practice - A registered dental assistant may perform those additional procedures for which they have received Board certification as provided by Rule 0460-04-.08 under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 63-5-105, 63-5-105(4), 63-5-105(7), 63-5-108, 63-5-108(c), 63-5115, 63-5-116, 63-5-117, and 63-5-124.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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