Expanded function dental assistant

32 M.R.S. § 18373, under Chapter 143.

32 M.R.S. § 18373

1. Scope of practice. An expanded function dental assistant may perform under the general supervision of a dentist all of the activities that may be delegated by a dentist to an unlicensed person pursuant to section 18371, subsection 3. An expanded function dental assistant may also perform the following activities authorized under the general supervision of a dentist:

A. Apply cavity liners and bases as long as the dentist: (1) Has ordered the cavity liner or base; and (2) Has checked the cavity liner or base prior to the placement of the restoration; [PL 2021, c. 223, §10 (AMD).]

(1) Has ordered the cavity liner or base; and

(2) Has checked the cavity liner or base prior to the placement of the restoration; [PL 2021, c. 223, §10 (AMD).]

B. Apply pit and fissure sealants after an evaluation of the teeth by the dentist at the time of sealant placement; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

C. Apply supragingival desensitizing agents to an exposed root surface or dentinal surface of teeth; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

D. Apply topical fluorides recognized for the prevention of dental caries; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

E. [PL 2021, c. 223, §10 (RP).]

F. [PL 2021, c. 223, §10 (RP).]

G. Place and contour amalgam, composite and other restorative materials prior to the final setting or curing of the material; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

H. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

I. Place and remove gingival retraction cord; [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (AMD).]

J. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

K. Size, place and cement or bond orthodontic bands and brackets with final inspection by the dentist; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

L. Supragingival polishing using a slow-speed rotary instrument and rubber cup; [PL 2025, c. 83, §2 (AMD).]

M. [PL 2021, c. 223, §10 (RP).]

N. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

O. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

P. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

Q. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

R. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

S. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

T. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

U. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

V. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

W. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

X. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

Y. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

Z. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

AA. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

BB. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

CC. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

DD. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

EE. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

FF. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

GG. [PL 2017, c. 388, §17 (RP).]

HH. Contour or finish restorative materials using a high-speed, power-driven handpiece or instrument; and [PL 2025, c. 83, §3 (AMD).]

II. Expose and process radiographs. [PL 2025, c. 83, §4 (NEW).]

2. Scope of practice; general supervision.

3. Procedures not authorized. An expanded function dental assistant may not engage in the following activities:

A. Complete or limited examination, diagnosis or treatment planning; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

B. Surgical or cutting procedures of hard or soft tissue; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

C. Prescribing drugs, medicaments or work authorizations; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

D. Pulp capping, pulpotomy or other endodontic procedures; [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

E. Placement and intraoral adjustments of fixed or removable prosthetic appliances; or [PL 2015, c. 429, §21 (NEW).]

F. Administration of local anesthesia, parenteral or inhalation sedation or general anesthesia.