Texas Dental Assistants by rule (Rule 114.5) may be delegated the task of coronal polishing by a licensed Texas dentist under direct supervision. Certain requirements apply as stated below:
Coronal Polishing Requirements for Dental Assistants
- Have at least two years of experience as a dental assistant
- Successfully complete a current course in basic life support (CPR)
- Complete a minimum of 8 hours of clinical and didactic education in coronal polishing taken through a CODA-accredited dental, dental hygiene, or dental assistant program approved by the Board.
Additional Note: Coronal polishing must be in accordance with the minimum standard of care and limited to the dental assistant’s scope of practice. The delegated duty of polishing by a dental assistant may not be billed as a prophylaxis.
Pursuant to §258.003 of the Dental Practice Act, the delegating dentist is responsible for all dental acts delegated to a dental assistant, including application of pit and fissure sealants.
List of TSBDE-approved Coronal Polishing course providers