153.38 Dental assistants — scope of practice.
A registered dental assistant may perform those services of assistance to a licensed dentist as determined by the board by rule. A registered dental assistant with additional education and training, as provided by the board by rule, may become certified to perform expanded functions or become qualified to participate in dental radiography. A registered dental assistant who has successfully completed expanded function training through the university of Iowa college of dentistry or a program certified by the commission on dental accreditation may place dental sealants on teeth. Services performed by a registered dental assistant shall be performed under supervision of a licensed dentist, but this section shall not be construed to authorize a dental assistant to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The board shall not adopt rules that delegate to a dental assistant the administration of local anesthesia or the removal of plaque, stain, calculus, or hard natural material except by toothbrush, floss, or rubber cup coronal polish. Every licensed dentist who utilizes the services of a registered dental assistant for the purpose of assistance in the practice of dentistry shall be responsible for acts delegated to the registered dental assistant. A dentist shall delegate to a registered dental assistant only those acts which are authorized to be delegated to registered dental assistants by the board.
2000 Acts, ch 1002, §5; 2007 Acts, ch 10, §141; 2020 Acts, ch 1018, §3
Structure Iowa Code
Section 153.12 - Board defined.
Section 153.13 - “Practice of dentistry” defined.
Section 153.14 - Persons not included.
Section 153.15 - Dental hygienists — scope of term.
Section 153.15A - Dental hygienists — license requirements, renewal.
Section 153.16 - Dental office where dentist is employed.
Section 153.17 - Unlawful practice.
Section 153.18 - Employment of unlicensed dentist.
Section 153.19 - Temporary permit — fees.
Section 153.20 - Drugs, medicine, and surgery.
Section 153.21 - License by credentials.
Section 153.22 - Resident license.
Section 153.23 - Retired volunteer license.
Section 153.24 - Orthodontia-related services.
Section 153.31 - Falsification in application for renewal.
Section 153.32 - Unprofessional conduct.
Section 153.33 - Powers of board.
Section 153.33A - Dental hygiene committee.
Section 153.33B - Executive director — duties.
Section 153.35 - Construction rule.
Section 153.36 - Exceptions to other statutes.
Section 153.37 - Dental college and dental hygiene program faculty permits.
Section 153.38 - Dental assistants — scope of practice.
Section 153.39 - Dental assistants — registration requirements, renewal, revocation, or suspension.