Expanded Functions Requirements
for Dental Assistants in Florida
Remediable tasks, also referred to as expanded functions of dental assistants, are those intra-oral tasks which do not create unalterable changes in the oral cavity or contiguous structures, are reversible and do not expose a patient to increased risks. (The use of a laser or laser device of any type is not a remediable task.)
A dentist may delegate a remediable task to dental hygienists, and dental assistants so long as delegation of the task poses no increased risk to the patient and the requirements of training and supervision set out in Chapter 64B5-16, F.A.C. are met. Remediable tasks are those specified in Section 466.024, F.S., and those designated as such by the Board. The Board hereby designates the tasks listed in Chapter 64B5-16, F.A.C., as remediable tasks.
Qualified Dental Assistants may also complete the required training and examination to be delegated specific restorative functions under direct supervision. These functions may only be delegated and performed in strict compliance with 64B5-16.0051.
For a complete copy of chapter 64B5-16, F.A.C. and a listing of all remedial tasks and their supervision levels, click here:
While there is no formal license, credential, or standardized exam required for dental assistants to perform expanded functions in Florida, there is a formal training requirement. Formal training which is required for the performance of certain remediable tasks consists of a dental hygienist’s or dental assistant’s successful completion of an expanded duty course or program which meets one of the following requirements:
- The course or program is administered or was developed as a part of the regular curriculum at a school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), its successor agency or any other nationally recognized accrediting agency; or
- The course or program has been approved by the Board for the purpose of providing expanded-duties training for dental hygienists and dental assistants;
- For a list of all other non-CODA approved programs approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry, click here:
The supervising licensee is responsible for ensuring that any dental assistant or dental hygienist who performs remediable tasks as a result of formal training shall display the certificate received at the conclusion of the training in a conspicuous public place where the tasks are performed. The supervising licensee shall also keep a copy of each such certificate on file in the dental office at which the dental assistant or dental hygienist performs remediable tasks.
State Affiliate of the American Dental Assistants Association
Radiography Requirements
for Dental Assistants in Florida
There are two pathways for dental assistants to achieve the status of dental radiographer:
- PATHWAY 1: Dental assistants may position and expose dental radiographic images only if they have been certified by the Florida Department of Health as dental radiographers or have graduated from a Board-approved dental assisting school or program.
- Board approved schools/programs include courses or programs that were developed as a part of the regular curriculum at a school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), its successor agency or any other nationally recognized accrediting agency.
- For a list of all other non-CODA approved programs approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry, click here:
- Board approved schools/programs include courses or programs that were developed as a part of the regular curriculum at a school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), its successor agency or any other nationally recognized accrediting agency.
- PATHWAY 2: Document having completed at least 3 months of continuous on-the-job training through assisting in the positioning of digital radiographic sensors and positioning and exposing of dental radiographic images under the direct supervision of a Florida licensed dentist; AND document successful completion of a Board-approved course (see list above), AND apply for certification on the DH-MQA 1202 Dental Radiography Certification Application
For a copy of 64B5-9.011 F.A.C. Radiography Training for Dental Assistants, click here.
A dental assistant’s certification as a dental radiographer must be conspicuously displayed to the public in any dental office where these services are performed.
To view the Florida Board of Dentistry Website, click here: