Current through September 24, 2024
A registered dental assistant with this certification may only
practice sealant application under the direct supervision of a licensed
dentist.
(1) Definition - Sealant
application shall mean the application of an organic polymer to the enamel
surfaces of teeth.
(2)
Qualifications for Certification
(a)
Registered dental assistants in good standing with the Tennessee Board of
Dentistry, pursuant to Rule 0460-04-.02, are eligible to take a Board-approved
sealant application certification course.
(b) Individuals enrolled in either an
ADA-accredited or Board-approved dental assisting program, which has elected to
include in its curriculum the Board-approved sealant application certification
course, will be qualified to perform the application of sealants upon issuance
of the certification. All such programs shall adhere to the requirements of
Rule 0460-05-.03(3).
(c) Registered
dental assistants who have successfully completed a comparable assistant
training program in another state in the application of sealants are eligible
to apply directly to the Board of Dentistry for a sealant application
certificate without additional training, provided the course is determined by
the Board consultant to be equivalent to the Board-approved course in
Tennessee. The information regarding content of the course and proof of
completion must be sent directly from the course provider to the Board's
administrative office. If a certification or permit was issued by the other
state, verification of the certificate or permit must be received directly from
the other board.
(d) After
successful completion of a Board-approved certification course, if required,
and receipt of proper notification from the course/instructor, an applicant
will be issued an initial approval letter. The applicant's certification will
be ratified at the next scheduled meeting of the Board.
(3) Supervision
(a) Sealant application may only be performed
under the direct supervision of a Tennessee licensed dentist.
(b) The dentist must examine the patient
immediately before and after sealant application to determine the need for, and
evaluate the results of, sealant application.
(4) Retention of Certification -
Certification in sealant application is only valid as long as the registered
dental assistant has a current registration to practice registered dental
assisting. If the registration expires or is retired, the certification is also
considered expired or retired, and the dental assistant may not apply sealants
until the registration is reinstated or reactivated.
Authority: T.C.A. §§
4-5-202,
4-5-204, 63-5-105, 63-5-108,
63-5-115, and 63-5-116.
