Dental Assistant Responsibilities in Kansas

Assistants play a huge role in keeping the dental office running smoothly. In Kansas, what a dental assistant can do largely depends on their training and credentials. 

Without formal credentials, dental assistants in Kansas can perform a range of duties under the supervision of a licensed dentist including: 

• Greet patients and prepare them for procedures
• Taking medical records 
• Handing instruments to the dentist during procedures 
• Sterilizing dental instruments 
• Assisting with office tasks like scheduling and billing 

However, unlicensed dental assistants can not perform any procedures that involve direct patient care beyond these supportive duties unless they receive further training or credentials.

If you want to take on more responsibilities as a dental assistant in Kansas, you’ll need to gain the proper certifications to qualify for specific expanded functions: 

• Coronal Polishing: You’ll need to complete hands-on training with a licensed dentist.
  
• Coronal Scaling: You must finish a Kansas Board-approved course. Your supervising dentist will need to report your training and work location to the Board.
• Assisting with Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen: You must be CPR certified and complete a Kansas Board-approved, 16-hour course from a CODA-accredited program. The course covers topics like pain control, anatomy, medical history, pharmacology, and managing complications.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your skills, understanding Kansas dental assistant responsibilities is the first step. With the right training, you can grow your role, support your team, and make an even bigger impact in the dental world.