Can dental assistants perform coronal polishing?

In the context of Texas dental laws and regulations, dental assistants are not authorized to perform coronal polishing. Coronal polishing is considered an expanded function and requires specific educational training and certification to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively. Texas regulations stipulate that this level of dental procedure typically falls under the jurisdiction of licensed dental hygienists or dentists.

The regulations are in place to protect patient safety and ensure that only qualified individuals carry out specific dental tasks. Therefore, dental assistants should focus on their core responsibilities and work within the scope of practice defined by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. While some other states may have different rules regarding the scope of practice for dental assistants, Texas has established strict guidelines regarding procedures such as coronal polishing that are classified as expanded functions.