Registration and Scope of Practice Changes
DCDS is working to change the registration process for dental assistants and expand the scope of practice for both dentists and dental assistants. Our proposal calls for:
- Botox and Dermal Filler Authorization - dentists are highly trained in facial anatomy and should be authorized to use Botox, other FDA-approved neurotoxins, and dermal fillers in patient treatment.
- Repealing the Registration Requirement for Dental Assistants Level I - DC should align with Maryland and Virginia by not requiring registration for dental assistants who perform only the basic functions of a Dental Assistant Level I .
- Extending the Supervised Practice Letter Allowance to 120 days - when a dental assistant applies to register in DC, they can be authorized to practice for up to 90 days by submitting a Dental Assistant Supervised Practice Form to the Board of Dentistry for approval. We believe that period should be extended to 120.
- Reducing registration fees - the initial registration fee for dental assistants in DC is significantly higher than in Maryland and Virginia. We are calling on DC to reduce the initial registration fee to $100.
- Eliminating Redundant Registration Requirements - All dental professionals are required to undergo a background check every two years, but dental professionals seeking to advance their career by moving up to a higher level of dental assistant must complete another background check. In addition, registering as a Dental Assistant Level III requires other duplicative requirements.
Read the full proposal from DCDS.
