By: Natalie Kaweckyj, LDA, RF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPFDA, CRFDA, MADAA, BA
Are you looking to become a dental assistant or are moving as a current dental assistant? Make sure to check the dental assistant requirements in Kentucky to see if you are still qualified in the state to practice.
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in Kentucky.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Kentucky
1. Dental Auxiliary
A dental auxiliary in the state of Kentucky may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
2. Registered Dental Assistant
To be recognized as a registered dental assistant in Kentucky, a dental assistant must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that meets or exceeds the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA).
In addition, the dental assistant’s employer dentist must do the following:
- Register the dental assistant on his or her Application for Renewal of Dental Licensure
- maintain a personnel file for the registered dental assistant containing the following:
- a copy of proof of having current CPR certification
- a copy of the certificates of completion of the Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Radiation Techniques Course, and Starting IV Access Lines courses, if the dental assistant has completed these courses
- the licensee’s statement attesting to the competency of the dental assistant in the procedures delegated to the assistant from the Delegated Duties List.
Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing
To perform coronal polishing procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of Kentucky, a registered dental assistant must:
- Successfully complete an eight-hour course at a CODA-accredited institution, AND
- Obtain a certificate of completion from the authorized institution, which the employer dentist shall retain in the employee’s personnel file
Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in IV Placement
To perform starting intravenous (IV) access lines under the direct supervision of a dentist holding a sedation or anesthesia permit, a registered dental assistant must:
- Successfully complete a board-approved course in starting IV lines, AND
- Submit documentation of course completion to the supervising dentist, who shall retain such documentation in the employee’s personnel file.
Radiography Requirements in Kentucky
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Kentucky, a dental assistant must:
- Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, OR
- Successfully complete a CODA-approved course in radiation safety and technique, OR
- Complete a six-hour Kentucky Board-approved course in dental radiography safety* AND complete one of the following:
- A minimum of four hours of instruction in dental radiography technique while under the employment and supervision of the dentist in the office, OR
- A four-hour course in radiography technique was approved by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.
*Note: The DALE Foundation’s DANB RHS Review course meets the six-hour radiography safety course requirement.
Information gathered from DaleFoundation.org
Photo by Brandon Randolph
