In order to legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in Georgia, a dental assistant must complete a minimum of six hours of instruction, in the content areas defined in the Georgia Department of Human Services' x-ray requirements*.
Instruction should begin within 30 days of initial employment and be completed no more than 90 days after employment begins. A record of training must be maintained by the employer.
A dental assistant who shows written proof of completed x-ray training is considered to have satisfied the requirements of the Department of Human Services.
*Note: The DALE Foundation's DANB RHS Review course meets the requirements of the Georgia Department of Human Services regulation 290-5-22-.04, X-Rays in the Healing Arts.
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A dental assistant in Georgia may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act and by rule of the Board under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
A dental assistant must acquire appropriate training before performing phlebotomy and venipuncture procedures.
To use rubber cup prophy on primary dentition, a dental assistant must complete a curriculum approved by the Georgia Board of Dentistry or a minimum of eight hours of on-the-job training in the provision of rubber cup prophies by a dentist licensed to practice in Georgia. (Note: The Board has outlined course curriculum and eligibility requirements in an addendum to its policy manual – see page 12.)
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To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of Georgia, a dental assistant must earn status as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA). To qualify as an EDDA, one must:
1. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, AND
2. Hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, AND
3. Provide a certificate documenting successful completion of a Georgia Board-approved course pertaining to the specific expanded duties outlined in that certificate. (A national DANB Certified Dental Assistant [CDA] certification is one of the ways by which an assistant may qualify to enroll in a Georgia Board-approved course.)
Only those expanded duties listed on the certificate(s) may be performed by an EDDA.
Learn more about DANB's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification