Scope of Practice for the Orthodontic Assistant

What determines the scope of practice for an orthodontic assistant?

• State/Province laws

• Legally permitted expanded functions

What is direct supervision?

Dentist is physically present and checks procedure before patient leaves

What is general supervision?

Dentist is not physically present during procedure

What radiographic & record duties may dental assistants perform?

• Operate radiographic equipment

• Photography

• Impressions

• Facebow transfers

• Bite registrations

What restorative and isolation duties may dental assistants perform?

• Apply fluoride

• Place/remove rubber dams and matrices

• Cure materials

What orthodontic-related duties may general dental assistants perform?

• Orthodontic measurements

• Examine appliances

• Place/remove seperators

• Remove ligatures & arch wires

What bonding duties may an orthodontic assistant perform?

• Prepare teeth

• Select/preposition brackets

• Cure & remove brackets

What banding duties may an orthodontic assistant perform?

• Size

• Fit

• Cement orthodontic bands

What archwire duties may an orthodontic assistant perform?

Place and ligate arch wires

What cement-removal duties may an orthodontic assistant perform?

Remove excess cement with hand instrument or ultrasonic scaler

How are the orthodontic brackets identified?

• By tooth position

• Upper/lower

• Right/left

• Color coding

What are the bracket types?

• Clear

• Metal

• Gold

What components were identified in the archwire system?

• Archwire

• Bracket

• Elastic tie

• Coil spring

• Hook

• Headgear tube

What are the different types of elastic sizes?

• 1/8

• 3/16

• ¼

• 5/16

• 3/8

What determines elastic force?

Ounce value

• Higher ounce = thicker elastic

How far are the orthodontic elastics designed to stretch?

3x their original size

What are the smallest and largest elastic sizes listed?

• 1/8 = smallest

• 3/8 =largest

What does COA stand for?

Certified Orthodontic Assistant

Through what organization is the COA speciality exam taken?

DANB (Dental Assisting National Board)