expanded functions

Expanded function training is eligible for board approval if the training is offered through an accredited program or another program prior-approved by the board, which may include on the job training offered by a dentist licensed in Iowa.

According to the Board rule, training programs MUST consist of all of the following:
1. An initial assessment to determine the base entry level of all participants in the program. At a minimum, participants must be currently certified by the Dental Assisting National Board or must have two years of clinical dental assisting experience;
2. A didactic component;
3. A laboratory component, if necessary;
4. A clinical component, which may be obtained under the personal supervision of the participant’s supervising dentist while the participant is concurrently enrolled in the training program; and
5. A postcourse competency assessment at the conclusion of the training program.

Under IAC 650-20.3(3), “a dentist may delegate an expanded function duty to a registered dental assistant if the assistant has completed board-approved training pursuant to rule 20.16(153) in the specific expanded function that will be delegated.”

All expanded function training must be properly documented to ensure compliance with Board rules. Documentation of training must be maintained by the dentist in the office of practice. The Board has developed a sample documentation of training form. Click on the link to download this form.

As a reminder, like all intraoral duties performed by registered dental assistants, expanded function duties must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Direct supervision means the dentist has delegated the task and is present in the treatment facility.

Board-approved courses are available for expanded function training. You may download and use these resources for the didactic and clinical/lab components. The initial assessment and postcourse competency assessment must be developed by the dentist and be available in the dental office as part of the documentation of training for that particular course. The other reference(s) may be used as a supplement for the didactic component.

Continuing education credit hours will be awarded for completion of courses as specified.

What to do if you want to delegate expanded functions to a dental assistant:

1) Have the dental assistant complete an approved expanded function training course at one of the eight approved community colleges. Contact information for the community college programs is available here.

2) Provide on-the-job training using the Board-approved training program for each specific expanded function that you intend to delegate. For the training to be considered Board-approved, you must provide the training exactly as it is presented in the course outline. Utilize the didactic reference materials indicated and include all training components (initial assessment, didactic, laboratory, clinical, and competency assessment).

3) Develop and submit your own expanded function training program for Board-approval. Make sure the training addresses each of the five components required by Board rule. Feel free to utilize components of programs that have already been board-approved. For example, you can use the same didactic reference materials in your course. The Board will review your proposed training plan and determine if it meets the criteria for approval. The Board has developed an application form for expanded function training approval.

AND

4) For each dental assistant who will be performing expanded functions, maintain documentation of training at the dental office of practice.

AND

5) Provide direct supervision to the registered dental assistant who is performing expanded functions.

Expanded Function Course Resource List:

Some of the approved courses are available in two formats, .html and .pdf . If you wish to download or print the courses for future use, the .pdf format is useful. When both formats are offered, you can select the format you prefer. To select the .pdf version, click on the .pdf icon, .

1. Taking Occlusal Registrations:

Download the approved on-the-job training course: Appropriate Occlusal Registrations
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through The Mentoring Dentist
Contact: Linda Aschtgen, CDA, RDA, EFDA
630 S. Main St.
Monticello, IA 52310
319-465-7000
laschtgen@qwest.net

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested reference to supplement didactic component:
Dawson, E.F.; Center for Advanced Dental Study, 111 2nd Ave. NE, Suite 1109, St. Peters, Fl. 33701-3443

2. Placement & Removal of Gingival Retraction:

Approved on-the-job training course not available to date.
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through The Mentoring Dentist
Contact: Linda Aschtgen, CDA, RDA, EFDA
630 S. Main St.
Monticello, IA 52310
319-465-7000
laschtgen@qwest.net

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested references to supplement didactic component:
Miller, Michael, DDS; Reality, The Information Source for Esthetic Dentistry, The Techniques, Volume 1, p. 31-33.

Phinney, Donna J., Halstead, Judy H.: Delmar’s Handbook of Assisting, p. 406-407.

3. Taking Final Impressions:

Download the approved on-the-job training course: Final Impressions
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through The Mentoring Dentist
Contact: Linda Aschtgen, CDA, RDA, EFDA
630 S. Main St.
Monticello, IA 52310
319-465-7000
laschtgen@qwest.net

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested references to supplement didactic component:
Miller, Michael, DDS; Reality, The Information Source for Esthetic Dentistry, The Techniques, Volume 1, p. 30-40.

Phinney, Donna J., Halstead, Judy H.: Delmar’s Handbook of Assisting, p. 234-236.

4. Fabrication and Removal of Provisional Restorations:

Board rules, which prohibit the delegation and removal of synthetic material, apply to permanent materials and do not prohibit the removal of temporary cement. In addition to those provisional restorations mentioned in the course materials, orthodontic brackets and bands are also included in the definition of a provisional appliance when referring to this Fabrication and Removal of Provisional Restoriation course of study. Successful completion of the portion of this course that refers to the removal of supragingival temporary cement will authorize dental assistants to perform this function.

Download the approved on-the-job training course: Making Preliminary Adaptation of Temporary Crowns (available only in .pdf format)
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through The Mentoring Dentist
Contact: Linda Aschtgen, CDA, RDA, EFDA
630 S. Main St.
Monticello, IA 52310
319-465-7000
laschtgen@qwest.net

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested references to supplement didactic component:
Phinney, Donna J., Halstead, Judy H.: Delmar’s Handbook of Assisting, p. 408-411.

Strupp, William; 2370 Sunset Pt. Rd., Clearwater, Fl. 33675-1423

Gordon Christensen tape, “Simple Temporary Restorations.”

5. Applying Cavity Liners and Bases, Desensitizing Agents and Bonding Systems

Approved on-the-job training course not available to date.
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

6. Placement and Removal of Dry Socket Medication:

Approved on-the-job training course not available to date.
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested reference to supplement didactic component:
Phinney, Donna J., Halstead, Judy H.: Delmar’s Handbook of Assisting, p. 286.

7. Placement of Periodontal Dressings:

Download the approved on-the-job training course: Application of Periodontal Dressings
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested reference to supplement didactic component:
Phinney, Donna J., Halstead, Judy H.: Delmar’s Handbook of Assisting, p. 333-334.

8. Testing Pulp Vitality:

Approved on-the-job training course not available to date.
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

Suggested reference to supplement didactic component:
Robinson, D. & Bird, D.: Ehrlich and Torres Essentials of Dental Assisting, Third Edition, p. 423-424.

9. Monitoring Nitrous Oxide:

Approved on-the-job training course not available to date.
University of Iowa College of Dentistry, call the Center for Conferences at the University of Iowa at 800-551-9029.
Community College Dental Assisting Programs

Course is also available through Dr. Hal Harris
Contact: Dr. Hal Harris
1720 Rio Valley Dr.
Clive, IA 50325
515-226-8391
hlharris@juno.com

expanded functions

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