US National Dental Assistant Framework Takes Shape

Workgroup Advances Standardization Efforts

A significant development in dental assisting regulation is underway as the Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup completed crucial in-person meetings in October 2024, according to a recent report by Meg Kaiser on DentistryIQ. The initiative aims to address the long-standing absence of national standards in dental assisting, focusing on creating uniform licensing and professional requirements across states.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Katherine Landsberg, DANB’s director of government relations, highlighted the current recruitment difficulties in the field, stating, “It’s very difficult to recruit people without an understandable roadmap for advancement that also supports long-term retention, and it’s difficult to prepare candidates to succeed.” The fragmented state-by-state approach has historically limited the effectiveness of regulatory solutions.

Framework Objectives and Scope

The proposed framework encompasses several key components, including standardized definitions of dental assisting levels, comprehensive duty scopes, educational pathways, and implementation resources. This initiative responds to industry-wide consensus: recent DANB survey data indicates that 83% of dental professionals support interstate uniformity in dental assisting regulations.

Professional Support and Perspectives

Dr. Dolores Cottrell, executive secretary of the New York State Board of Dentistry and workgroup cochair, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “During our virtual meetings, we laid a good foundation for this work. Coming together in person, the camaraderie was extraordinary. We had meaningful discussions and carefully considered many perspectives.”

Anticipated Impact on Patient Care

Helen Sublette, BS, CDA, COA, fellow cochair and ADAA member, expressed optimism about the framework’s potential impact: “I’ve been inspired to see the group come together to make a difference for the dental assistant workforce. Dental assistants are essential to the practice and in providing patient care, yet there is no national agreement on the dental assistant scope of practice or levels for advancement.”

Next Steps

The workgroup plans to release a draft framework in early 2025, seeking feedback from the dental community. The initiative particularly focuses on standardizing licensing requirements for specific procedures, with survey data showing 90% of dental professionals supporting radiography licensing requirements, and 82% backing licensing for sterilization procedures, nitrous oxide monitoring, temporary crown work, and sealant application.