• You have a right to schedule an appointment with your dentist in a timely manner.
  

• You have a right to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment.
  

• You have a right to know in advance the type and expected cost of treatment.
  

• You have a right to expect dental team members to use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
  

• You have a right to ask about treatment alternatives and be told, in language you can understand, the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  

• You have a right to ask your dentist to explain all the treatment options regardless of coverage or cost.
  

• You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental team.
  

• You have a right to know the professional rules, laws and ethics that apply to your dentist and the dental team.
  

• You have a right to choose your own dentist.

Who Do You Want Working On Your Teeth?

Proposed New Duties For Dental Assistants

1. CYTOLOGICAL SMEAR- This is a biopsy technique for detecting oral cancer.
At present, only a DENTIST or an EFDA can do this.

2. PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS- Performed on childrens' teeth to prevent decay.
At present, only a DENTIST, Hygienist, or an EFDA can do this.

3. POLISH ALLOY AND COMPOSITES- Polishing silver and white fillings using a drill.
At present, only a DENTIST or an EFDA can do this.

4. MONITORING OF NITROUS OXIDE - Laughing gas- deadly if overdosed.
At present, only a DENTIST , HYGIENIST or CERTIFIED dental assistant can do this.

5. CORONAL POLISHING OF CLINICAL CROWNS- Using a drill, to polish the crown and roots of the teeth. Currently only A DENTIST or Dental Hygienists with 2 years of college can do this.

6. CONSTRUCTION, CEMENATION AND REMOVAL OF TEMPORARIES (metal/plastic) - Making a temporary crown for a crown or a bridge. Cementing and removing would be new duties for a DA.
At present only a DENTIST or an EFDA can do this.

7. REMOVAL OF SUPRAGINGIVAL DENTAL CEMENT- Go under the gum with an instrument to remove cement from a crown or bridge.
At present only a DENTIST or an EFDA can do this.

8. GINGIVAL RETRACTION - Pulling the gums away from the tooth and putting in a retraction cord before a final impression.
At present, only a DENTIST can do this.

9. INTRAORAL BITES FOR RESTORATIONS, APPLIANCES, ETC. - This checks to see if your teeth align when biting down.
At present only a DENTIST can do this.

10. IMPRESSIONS FOR TEMPORARY APPLIANCES - This is for the mold for a temporary appliance.
At present, only a DENTIST can do this.

11. IMPRESSIONS FOR REMOVABLE OR FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES - These are the impressions used to make braces.
At present, only a DENTIST can do this.

12. REMOVAL OF CEMENT FROM BANDS - Removing cement, with an instrument, from the teeth and braces.
At present, only a DENTIST can do this.

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PROPOSED NEW DUTIES (EFDAs)

CONSTRUCTION, PLACEMENT AND REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY RESTORATIONS (handpiece) - Making, placing, and removing temporary crowns, or bridges; if necessary the EFDA may now use a drill.
At present only a DENTIST may remove a temporary crown using a drill.

CEMENTATION OF TEMPORARIES (metal/plastic)- See #7 above.

MONITORING OF NITROUS OXIDE - See #5 above.

ADJUSTING CASTINGS INTRAORALLY - This is fitting a new crown or bridge to the stump of your prepared teeth, then grinding the crown or bridge down to fit between, and with, your other teeth to adjust your bite.
At this time only a DENTIST can do this.

GINGIVAL RETRACTION - See #8 above.

INTRAORAL BITES FOR RESTORATIONS, APPLIANCES, ETC - See #9 above.

TEMPORARY CEMENT CASTINGS - This allows the EFDA to cement and adjust crowns, bridges, and inlays for preliminary fit.

CORONAL POLISHING OF THE CLINICAL CROWNS - This allows the EFDA to polish your teeth using a slow speed drill AFTER the teeth have been cleaned by a dentist or hygienist.

TEMPORARY APPLIANCE AND REMOVABLE OR FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE IMPRESSIONS - These are final impressions for retainers, permanent or removable.
At this time only a DENTIST can do this.

CEMENTATION OF ORTHODONTIC BANDS - Placing orthodontic bands permanently on your teeth.
At present only a DENTIST can do this.

REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY RESTORATIONS FOR ENDODONTIC ACCESS - This means the EFDA can remove a temporary restoration (crown) to prepare the tooth for a root canal using a high-speed drill. These drills are deadly weapons. They are so fast that the slightest slip can cause a tongue or cheek to need possible surgery, or stitches. It can destroy the tooth in a second, causing the patient to need a crown AND a root canal. A mistake here can add $200 + to the patients bill.
At present only a DENTIST can use a high speed drill.

BONDING BRACKETS - This allows the EFDA to permanently adjust, size, and place orthodontic brackets on the tooth. These are the brackets that hold arch wires in place.

SORE SPOT ADJUSTMENT- Should a patient have any partial or full denture (false teeth) that is causing a sore spot the EFDA may use a drill on the denture to relieve the pressure.

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PROPOSED NEW DUTIES FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS (The person who cleans your teeth)

CEMENTATION OF TEMPORARIES (metal or plastic) - this allows the hygienist to cement temporary crowns, bridges or inlays.

GINGIVAL RETRACTION - see #8 above.

INTRAORAL BITES FOR RESTORATIONS, APPLIANCES, ETC. - see #9 above.

IMPRESSIONS FOR TEMPORARY APPLIANCES - see #10 above.

SORE SPOT ADJUSTMENT- should a patient have any partial or full denture (false teeth) that is causing a sore spot the hygienist may use a drill on the denture to relieve the pressure.
At present only a DENTIST can do this.

IMPRESSIONS FOR REMOVABLE OR FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES - see # 11 above.

CEMENTATION OF ORTHODONTIC BANDS - Placing orthodontic bands permanently on your teeth.
At present only a DENTIST can do this.

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In order to become a General Dentist, one must have 4 years of college, then 3 years of Dental School. The dentist must also complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. A Dental Hygienist must have 2-3 years of college, an Associates degree in Applied Sciences, pass a Board Exam and must hold a Radiography License. A hygienist must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years. An Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) must pass a State Certification Exam as a Certified Dental Assistant, take a State Exam, and must hold a Radiography License. No continuing education is required to maintain EFDA status. The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA or CODA) must have formal training, in an accredited, or recognized Dental Assisting program, take a National or State Exam, and must hold a Radiography License. There are no continuing education requirements to hold a radiography license. A Dental Assistant (DA) is an "on the job trained" person with no formal training in this field, but is supposed to hold a Radiography License. You don't think any DAs are taking x-rays illegally do you?

WHO DO YOU WANT WORKING IN YOUR MOUTH?