Dental auxiliary scope & supervision

Frequently asked questions

What are the supervision levels for dental assistants in California?

California recognizes exactly two levels under Business & Professions Code §1741. Direct supervision means the dentist is physically present in the facility and checks the completed work before the patient is dismissed. General supervision means the dentist authorized the procedure in advance through a written treatment plan and need not be present. There is no 'indirect supervision' in California.

What changed for dental assistants under SB 1453 and SB 1311?

Effective January 1, 2025, SB 1453 requires a dental assistant to meet the infection-control requirement before any exposure-prone duty (the former one-year grace period was repealed), repealed the old cap of three extended-function auxiliaries per dentist, and allowed a DA to perform coronal polishing after a Board-approved course under direct supervision only. Effective September 14, 2026, SB 1311 lets the unlicensed assistant meet that infection-control requirement with the DANB Infection Control exam, a Board-approved 8-hour course, or a video-based course of at least 4 hours didactic plus 2 hours of laboratory from the California Dental Association or a CDA-, ADA CERP- or AGD PACE-approved provider. The 8-hour course is still required before the coronal polishing course and for RDA licensure.

Can a registered dental hygienist administer local anesthesia in California?

Yes, but only under the direct supervision of a physically present dentist. A hygienist administering local anesthesia while the dentist is off-site is a serious violation.