In dentistry, which of the following statements is true about registration of dental assistants?

The correct understanding regarding the registration of dental assistants revolves around the specifics of their duties and the regulations guiding their practice. Dental assistants must meet certain criteria and follow guidelines established by the state dental board, which often includes obtaining registration or certification.

In this context, it is true that dental assistants do not need to be registered solely to take x-rays. Many states allow dental assistants to perform radiographic duties after completing the appropriate training and obtaining specific certification in that area, rather than requiring full registration at all times. This means that while they are allowed to perform such tasks under certain conditions, they are not mandated to hold a registration for the purpose of taking x-rays.

The other options present a misunderstanding of the requirements for dental assistants. The assertion that dental assistants must always be registered overlooks the nuances in the regulation regarding different tasks and certifications. Furthermore, stating that registration is needed only if they perform extractions inaccurately simplifies the complexities of dental assistant roles since extraction procedures typically require the dental assistant to have more advanced training, but do not relate directly to general registration needs. Lastly, saying registration is required regardless of tasks fails to acknowledge that the necessity for registration can depend on the specific duties being performed by the dental assistant.