One-on-One An Interview with Dr. Paul Homoly Simply Beautiful A ...

Editor’s Letter
Dentists always want to know what their hygienists are
allowed to do while they are not in the office. In California,
direct supervision requires the dentist to be in the
office, and one of the things that requires direct supervision
is placement of subgingival topical anesthetic. So the
placement of PFG gel in the sulcus (formerly Profound,
Steven’s Pharmacy), for example, would need me in the
building. Having the patient rinse with DYC (formerly
Cyclone, Steven’s Pharmacy) topical rinse, however, does
not. Score one for DYC rinse.
My assistant, Jennifer, is an RDAEF, and the list of extended
functions has been increased for 2010. Existing
RDAEFs (like Jennifer) will need to attend a dental school
based board approved CE program to perform these
new functions, but check out the list of what they can
do above and beyond a standard RDA license. These all
require direct supervision:
• Cord retraction of gingival tissue for impression
procedures
• Size and fit endodontic master points and accessory
points
• Cement endodontic master points and accessory points
• Take final impressions for permanent indirect
restorations
• Take final impressions for tooth-borne removable
prosthesis
• Place, contour, finish and adjust all direct restorations
• Adjust and cement permanent indirect restorations
Wow! That is pretty progressive, and I would be interested
to hear your feelings on this list.
Will these changes be implemented in your state soon?
Do you like the idea of assistants being able to do so
much? Much like our training in dental school, their
license makes them a safe beginner, and it will take a lot
of on-the-job training before they can complete these duties
with a high level of confidence.
2
Yours in quality dentistry,
Dr. Michael DiTolla
Editor in Chief, Clinical Editor
mditolla@glidewelldental.com
www.chairsidemagazine.com
Publisher
Jim Glidewell, CDT
Editor in Chief
Michael DiTolla, DDS, FAGD
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Mike Cash, CDT
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Rachel Pacillas
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Michael DiTolla, DDS, FAGD
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