Surveys reveal new perspectives on scaling dental assistants

Many states are exploring allowing dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling, sometimes called an Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA), as a solution to the ongoing workforce challenges.

Such important considerations need to include perspectives and input from all who may be impacted or involved. To that end, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) conducted research to capture essential insights from dental assistants and patients.

“In many states, the groups discussing whether to create a scaling assistant or OPA provider level include dentists and dental hygienists,” said Hanna Aronovich, DANB Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. “The voices of dental assistants and patients need to be heard as well, and we wanted to ensure these perspectives are brought to the forefront.”

Dental assistants were mixed in their support and interest, with about half expressing support for the new role and interest in pursuing it, if available. The other half were opposed or unsure. Dental assistants reported that thorough training, education and credentials are important qualifications, as is increased compensation.

Patients overwhelmingly said receiving routine cleanings is important, but those who reported receiving annual cleanings varied by income level. Like dental assistants, patients expressed that proper education, training and credentials were very important.

“It’s notable that both dental assistants and patients were aligned in what they felt were necessary qualifications for dental assistants performing supragingival scaling,” Aronovich noted. “Both groups emphasized the importance of clinical skills as well as credentials, such as licensure, registration or certification.”

The current landscape

Currently four states allow dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling (Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Virginia), with two more states (Missouri and Nevada) moving proposals forward. In the last five years, several other states (Colorado, Kentucky, Montana, Washington, and Wisconsin) have put forward legislation or regulations that did not advance.

“DANB has been contacted by states for guidance and has been closely tracking these proposals across the country,” said Michelle Lee, DANB Vice President of External Relations and Policy. “Although frameworks for national standards exist, like the Dental Access Model Act, we’re observing that states are taking customized approaches to developing education, training, and credentialing requirements for this new provider level.”

To share insights and learnings, DANB facilitated a workgroup of dental professionals from across the country to explore the evolving landscape of OPAs and scaling assistants. The group discussed potential future scenarios and training and competency models.

“DANB is committed to supporting the dental assisting profession and the critical role they play on the dental team,” Lee said. “DANB has been considering ways we can support dental assistants in states where these functions are allowed, as well as meeting with states that are exploring these options to provide information and insights to aid in their decision-making.”

To view the additional survey results, download the report.