What is required for a Dental Assistant II to perform coronal polishing?

A Dental Assistant II in North Carolina is required to perform coronal polishing under the direct supervision of a dentist. This means that the dentist must be present and overseeing the procedure to ensure that it is conducted safely and effectively. Direct supervision involves the dentist's physical presence in the office while the procedure is being performed, which is essential for maintaining the standards of care and adhering to dental practice regulations.

While patient consent is important for many dental procedures and experience can enhance the skills of a dental assistant, neither a signed consent form nor a specific number of years of experience are stipulations for performing coronal polishing by a Dental Assistant II under North Carolina law. Additionally, while training is important, the requirement is the completion of a specific training program rather than a blanket 40-hour course, and this may not directly correlate to the supervision needed for the procedure. The emphasis on direct supervision is to ensure that the trained assistant is operating under the appropriate guidelines established by the state dental board.