Alabama 2020 Allowable and Prohibited Duties for Dental Assistants

DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL BOARD, INC. Alabama 2020 Allowable and Prohibited Duties for Dental Assistants At-a-glance information includes a dental assisting career ladder and job titles, radiography requirements, education and exam requirements, delegable functions and supervision levels, and prohibited functions. INSIDE: • State requirements and functions chart • Appendix A: information about numbering system • Appendix B: information about supervision levels for dental assistants ABOUT THESE DATA These data are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended as a legal opinion regarding dental practice in any state. DANB confers with each state’s dental board at least annually regarding the accuracy and currency of this information. To verify, or if you have any questions, please contact your state’s dental board. © 2006-2020 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. All rights reserved. NELDA®, CDA®, COA®, CRFDA®, CPFDA®, and COMSA®, are registered certification marks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB). DANB®, Dental Assisting National Board®, RHS®, ICE®, and Measuring Dental Assisting Excellence® are registered service marks of DANB. CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT™ is a certification mark of DANB. AL ALABAMA: OVERVIEW State-approved 1/13/2020 State Career Ladder There is one recognized level of dental assistant in Alabama. See the following pages for details about requirements and allowed func- tions for this level. Numbers for each level are provided for internal reference and do not correspond to specific state designations. State Job Titles 1 Dental Assistant State Radiography Requirements There are no radiography requirements for dental assistants in Alabama. All dental assistants may legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures. State Radiography Requirements Functions NOT Permitted by Dental Assistants in Alabama Functions with numbers correspond to functions included in a 2002-2005 study of dental assisting core competencies. See Appendix A for more information. The following functions are not permitted by any level of dental assistant: 20. Remove extrinsic stains, accretions and calcareous deposits from teeth 40. Place Pit and Fissure Sealant 70. Place stainless steel crowns with intentions of reasonable permanency • Apply oxygenating agents during endodontic therapy • Remove wire sutures • Capping of exposed pulpal tissues • Gingival curettage • Root planing • Polish completed restorations • Place resorbable chlorhexidine chips Prohibited Duties Prohibited • Place topical or subgingival antimicrobial or antibacterial agents • Periodontal probing • Furnish, construct, supply or repair any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance or structure to be worn in the mouth • Repair or fill cavities • Give interpretations or readings or x-rays or roentgenograms • Administer anesthetics • Bleaching of teeth 14 © 2006-2020 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. All rights reserved. AL ALABAMA State-approved 1/13/2020 1 Dental Assistant Education, Training and Credential Requirements A dental assistant in Alabama may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act (see below) under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Requirements Allowable Functions Functions with numbers correspond to functions included in a 2002-2005 study of dental assisting core competencies. See Appendix A for more information. Under Direct Supervision* 1, 2. Preliminary charting and inspection of the oral cavity (final • Apply desensitizing agents examination and diagnosis must be made by a dentist before • Apply light-cured medicinal bonding agents treatment can be instituted) • Apply etchant materials 6. Place and remove gingival retraction materials • Insert into the mouth of the patient wax models of dentures, 13. Remove intraoral sutures (excluding wire sutures) partial dentures, or any other structures and make adjustments 18. Apply topical fluoride outside the mouth of the patient to such wax models pursuant 22, 52. Make dental radiographs or digital images to written or verbal instructions or directions from the dentist; 24. Give oral hygiene instructions including plaque staining, floss- provided, however, (1) the dental hygienist or dental assistant ing, brushing, and caries susceptibility tests shall not use these wax models of dentures, partial dentures or 27. Place and remove rubber dam any other structure to register the jaw relationships or occlu- 29. Pre-fit and pre-contour orthodontic appliances either extraorally sal relationships of the patient, and (2) that before such wax or intra-orally for final adaptation by the dentist models may be used for the manufacture of dentures, partial 34. Place cavity liners and bases (excluding capping of exposed dentures or other structures the dentist shall personally consult pulpal tissues) with the patient, examine such wax models, and make such 35, 62. Place and remove periodontal dressings additional adjustments as may be required 37. Take and record case history, blood pressure, pulse and oral • Insert into the mouth of the patient dentures, partial dentures, temperature removable orthodontic appliances, prostheses or any other 43. Contour stainless steel or chrome crowns but cannot cement structures and make adjustments outside the mouth of the them patient to the dentures, prostheses (fixed or removable), re- 44. Make impressions for diagnostic casts or opposing casts movable orthodontic appliances, prosthetic appliances, bridges, Allowable 45. Place, wedge, and remove matrices for operative dentistry or other structures pursuant to written or verbal instructions or 46. Make final impressions for removable and fixed prostheses, directions from the dentist; provided, however, (1) that before orthodontic appliances, retainers, devices to treat sleep apnea such prostheses (fixed or removable), removable orthodontic or anti-snoring devices, and medicament/whitening delivery appliances, or other structures are delivered to the patient trays; however, before said impressions may be used for the leaving the dental office with such prostheses (fixed or remov- manufacture of prostheses and appliances, the dentist shall able), removable orthodontic appliances, or other structures examine and approve such impressions for accuracy the dentist shall personally consult with the patient, examine 47. Construct and place temporary crowns (excluding stainless such prostheses (fixed or removable), removable orthodontic steel crowns placed with intentions of reasonable permanency) appliances, or other structures, and make such additional ad- 47, 50, 54, 55. Construct and remove with hand instruments only justments as may be required; and (2) that final placement and interim restorations (interim restorations being any restoration cementation of all fixed appliances, fixed prostheses and other placed while a more permanent restoration is being completed) fixed structures shall be performed by the dentist 56. Apply topical anesthetics • Apply reversible liners and bases to prostheses, orthodontic 59. Assist in the administering of N2O and O2 appliances, or any other structures; however, the dentist shall 61. Remove excess cement with hand instruments from around personally consult with the patient and examine such liners permanent dental restorations and orthodontic appliances and bases, and make such additional adjustments as may be 63, 69. Place and remove alveolar socket dressings necessary • Apply topical oxygenating agents (excluding endodontic • Use laser and/or narrow band (light) imaging technology for therapy) preliminary diagnostic purposes only with the dentist’s final • Apply anti-inflammatory agents examination and diagnosis • Apply astringents *Direct Supervision: Supervision by a dentist who authorizes the intraoral procedure to be performed, is physically present in the dental facility and available during performance of the procedure, examines the patient during the procedure and takes full responsibility for the completed procedure. © 2006-2020 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. All rights reserved. 15 Appendix A: Numbering System for Dental Assisting Functions The following list of 70 dental assisting tasks was developed by the ADAA/DANB Alliance as part of a study of dental assisting core competencies conducted between 2002 and 2005. These selected tasks were determined to be representative of a broad range of dental assisting core competencies. The numbered functions listed in the preceding state charts correspond to functions that were included in the DANB/ADAA core competencies study and use language directly from the state’s dental practice act. The numbers are provided to facilitate comparison between and among states. Functions listed with bullets in the preceding charts are part of the state’s practice act but are not specific matches to the functions that were included in the 2002-2005 study. 1. Perform mouth mirror inspection of 26. Provide pre- and post-operative 49. Perform vitality tests the oral cavity instructions 50. Place temporary fillings 2. Chart existing restorations or 27. Place and remove dental dam 51. Carve amalgams conditions 28. Pour, trim and evaluate the quality of 52. Process dental radiographs 3. Phone in prescriptions at the diagnostic casts 53. Mount and label dental radiographs direction of the dentist 29. Size and place orthodontic bands 4. Receive and prepare patients and brackets 54. Remove temporary crowns and cements for treatment, including seating,

MANUAL OF APPLIED INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL 2021-2022 1 Table of Contents OVERVIEW: APPLIED INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL . 5 Introduction . 5 Rationale . 5 How does infection occur . 5 Contact transmission . 5 i. Direct . 5 ii. Indirect . 5 Droplets . 5 Aerosols . 5 Infection Control Protocol: Standard Precautions .

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP) TRAINING Developed by faculty at the University of Washington, School of Dentistry 2016 Why You Need BBP Training In 1992, the state of Washington enacted a law mandating annual training for all individuals with jobs that could expose them to a Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP). This module is designed to provide you with the Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training required annually by State and Federal law. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-823 https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051 2 What You Will Accomplish with this Training This training will: familiarize you with the kinds of blood-borne pathogens (BBP) found in the dental office, describe the risk they pose to you & patients, as well as teach you preventive measures to avoid risk of exposure, assist you in developing an exposure control plan for mitigating risk of exposures in your office, & fulfill your annual state BBP training requirement. 3 Bloodborne Pathogens - Defined BBPs are microorganisms present in blood which can result in serious diseases ‘Blood’ includes: human blood & its components products made from human blood medications derived from blood (e.g. immune globulins) NOTE: BBPs are prevalent in dental practice & simple to avoid exposure 4 Pathogens and Dentistry Several pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, & parasites are potentially harmful. Due to their prevalence, viral & bacterial infections are high risk in dentistry. Viruses are small infectious agents causing colds, flu, hepatitis, HIV, & herpes. All can be contracted through accidentally during the normal work day and considered as occupational exposures. 5 Occupational Exposures “Occupational Exposure” means reasonably anticipated BBP contact with skin, eye or mucous membranes that may result during the performance of an employee’s duties.

Public Act 097-0886 SB2941 Enrolled LRB097 15511 CEL 60634 b AN ACT concerning regulation. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 5. The Illinois Dental Practice Act is amended by changing Section 17 as follows: (225 ILCS 25/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 2317) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016) Sec. 17. Acts Constituting the Practice of Dentistry. A person practices dentistry, within the meaning of this Act: (1) Who represents himself as being able to diagnose or diagnoses, treats, prescribes, or operates for any disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human tooth, teeth, alveolar process, gums or jaw; or (2) Who is a manager, proprietor, operator or conductor of a business where dental operations are performed; or (3) Who performs dental operations of any kind; or (4) Who uses an X-Ray machine or X-Ray films for dental diagnostic purposes; or (5) Who extracts a human tooth or teeth, or corrects or attempts to correct malpositions of the human teeth or jaws; or (6) Who offers or undertakes, by any means or method, Public Act 097-0886 SB2941 Enrolled LRB097 15511 CEL 60634 b to diagnose, treat or remove stains, calculus, and bonding materials from human teeth or jaws; or (7) Who uses or administers local or general anesthetics in the treatment of dental or oral diseases or in any preparation incident to a dental operation of any kind or character; or (8) Who takes impressions of the human tooth, teeth, or jaws or performs any phase

Infection Control, Dental Practice Act, & OSHA for 2017 Infection Control OSHA Dental Practice Act HIPAA Presented by Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) In the dental field since 1972, Leslie helps simplify complex regulations. She provides in office training, compliance audits, consulting, workshops, and mock inspections. For the 6th year in a row, she has been listed as a “Leader In Consulting” by Dentistry Today. She is authorized by the Department of Labor, The Academy of General Dentistry, and the California Dental Board to provide continuing education. Leslie is the founder of Leslie Canham and Associates. Leslie Canham is sponsored in part by DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA INFECTION CONTROL REGULATIONS California Code of Regulations Title 16 §1005. Minimum Standards for Infection Control. Effective 8/20/11 (a) Definitions of terms used in this section: (1) “Standard precautions” are a group of infection prevention practices that apply to all patients, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status, in any setting in which healthcare is delivered. These include hand hygiene, use of gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, or face shield, depending on the anticipated exposure, and safe handling of sharps. Standard precautions shall be used for care of all patients regardless of their diagnoses or personal infectious status. (2) “Critical items” confer a high risk for infection if they are contaminated with any microorganism. These include all instruments, devices, and other items used to penetrate soft tissue or bone. (3) “Semi-critical items” are instruments, devices and other items that are not used to penetrate soft tissue or bone, but contact oral mucous membranes, non- intact skin or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Infection Control (ICE®) Exam Outline and Suggested References The ICE® exam is a component of the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA®), Certified Dental Assistant™ (CDA®) and Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA®) certification programs. NELDA component exams Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS®) Infection Control (ICE) CDA component exams Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Infection Control (ICE) General Chairside Assisting (GC) COA component exams Orthodontic Assisting (OA) Infection Control (ICE) Effective 01/01/2020 © 2020 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. All rights reserved. ICE Exam Outline Overview ICE Exam Weighting by Domain I. Standard Precautions and the Prevention of Disease Transmission (20%) II. Prevention of Cross-contamination during Procedures (34%) III. Instrument/Device Processing (26%) IV. Occupational Safety/Administrative Protocols (20%) ICE Exam Administration Methods In-Person Live Online Exam Characteristics Testing Remote Proctoring Number of Multiple-Choice Questions 100 85 Time for Exam (minutes) 75 65 Tutorial Time (minutes) 5 5 Comment Time (minutes) 5 5 Total Exam Appointment Time (minutes) 85 75 The ICE exam is now administered in-person and through live online remote proctoring. The candidate may choose the method they prefer. Remote proctoring allows candidates to take exams using their own computer while being monitored by webcam and microphone. The exams have the same number of scored exam items, but the remote proctored exams have fewer pretest (non-scored) exam items to accommodate remote proctored appointment time constraints. Candidates will not receive an advantage based on their administration mode. That is, the remotely administered exam is not easier (or harder) than the in-person version of the exam.

VETERINARY PRACTICE GUIDELINES 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats* Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Mary L. Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry), Sonnya Dennis, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Heidi B. Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, Christopher J. Snyder, DVM, DAVDCy, Amy E.S. Stone, DVM, PhD, Andrea G. Van de Wetering, DVM, FAVD ABSTRACT The 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats outline a comprehensive approach to support companion animal practices in improving the oral health and often, the quality of life of their canine and feline patients. The guidelines are an update of the 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. A photographically illustrated, 12-step protocol describes the essential steps in an oral health assessment, dental cleaning, and periodontal therapy. Recommendations are given for general anesthesia, pain management, facilities, and equipment necessary for safe and effective delivery of care. To promote the wellbeing of dogs and cats through decreasing the adverse effects and pain of periodontal disease, these guidelines emphasize the critical role of client education and effective, preventive oral healthcare. (JAmAnimHospAssoc2019; 55:---–---. DOI 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6933) AFFILIATIONS * These guidelines were supported by a generous educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc., From All Pets Dental, Weston, Florida (J.B.); Beyond the Crown Veterinary and Midmark. They were subjected to a formal peer-review process. Education, Lawrence, Kansas (M.L.B.); Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hos- These guidelines were prepared by a Task Force of experts convened by the pital, Newfields, New Hampshire (S.D.); Department of Small Animal Clin- American Animal Hospital Association.

Healthcare Inspection—Review of Improper Dental Infection Control Practices and Administrative Action, Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah, Wisconsin

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Office of Healthcare Inspections Report No. 17-00712-366 Healthcare Inspection Review of Improper Dental Infection Control Practices and Administrative Action Tomah VA Medical Center Tomah, Wisconsin September 7, 2017 Washington, DC 20420 In addition to general privacy laws that govern release of medical information, disclosure of certain veteran health or other private information may be prohibited by various Federal statutes including, but not limited to, 38 U.S.C. §§ 5701, 5705, and 7332, absent an exemption or other specified circumstances. As mandated by law, OIG adheres to privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations protecting veteran health or other private information in this report. To Report Suspected Wrongdoing in VA Programs and Operations: Telephone: 1-800-488-8244 Web site: www.va.gov/oig Review of Improper Dental Infection Control Practices & Administrative Action, Tomah VAMC, Tomah, WI Table of Contents Page Executive Summary . i Purpose. 1 Background . 1 Scope and Methodology. 4 Inspection Results .

© Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION partNOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTIONI © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLCIntroduction© Jones & Bartlett toLearning, Dental LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Assisting © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION 1 The Dental Assisting Profession 2 © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC2 Professionalism© Jones 15 & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION 3 The Dental Office Team 25 4 Ethics and Law 33 © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION © Jones & Bartlett Learning LLC, an Ascend Learning Company. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. 9781284268133_CH01_001_014.indd 1 19/03/20 8:18 AM © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC chapter©

CLINICAL Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA, CSP Speaker, Consultant, Trainer Leslie Canham & Associates Selection of Hand Hygiene Products The proper selection of hand hygiene products can help reduce the colonized bacteria that are present on There are a variety of preparations used for hand hands. The preferred method for hand hygiene hygiene from plain soap to waterless antiseptic agents. depends on the type of procedure, the degree of Healthy Hands for Dental Professionals In the United States, antiseptic hand wash products contamination, and the desired persistence of intended for use by healthcare workers are regulated antimicrobial action on the skin. For routine dental by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) division of examinations and nonsurgical procedures, hand As dental professionals, hand hygiene is an important Over the Counter Drug Products. Below are some washing and hand antisepsis is achieved by using either concern. Does your skin ever get dry, cracked or The amount of time spent washing hands is critical in examples of preparations used for hand hygiene. plain or antimicrobial soap and water. If the hands irritated? Are you using gloves that fit well, are reducing transmission of pathogens to other people are not visibly soiled, hand antisepsis can be also be comfortable to wear, and provide adequate coverage and environmental surfaces. According to the Centers • Plain Soap achieved by using an alcohol-based hand rub. for your hands? Do you strive to prevent hand for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, • Alcohols Frequent hand washing with soap and water can be contamination and subsequent cross-contamination? 15 seconds is the minimum amount of time to spend • Chlorhexidine irritating to skin.

2020 STATE OF NEBRASKA STATUTES RELATING TO DENTISTRY PRACTICE ACT Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Licensure Unit 301 Centennial Mall South, Third Floor PO Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509-4986 INDEX DENTISTRY PRACTICE ACT 38-1101. Act, how cited. 38-1102. Definitions, where found. 38-1102.01. Accredited dental assisting program, defined. 38-1103. Accredited dental hygiene program, defined. 38-1104. Accredited school or college of dentistry, defined. 38-1105. Analgesia, defined. 38-1106. Board, defined. 38-1106.01. Deep sedation, defined. 38-1107. Dental assistant, defined. 38-1107.01. Expanded function dental assistant, defined. 38-1107.02. Expanded function dental hygienist, defined. 38-1108. General anesthesia, defined. 38-1109. General supervision, defined. 38-1110. Indirect supervision, defined. 38-1111. Inhalation analgesia, defined. 38-1111.01. Licensed dental assistant, defined. 38-1111.02. Licensed dental hygienist, defined. 38-1112. Minimal sedation, defined. 38-1113. Moderate sedation, defined. 38-1114. Board; membership. 38-1115. Dentistry practice, defined. 38-1116. Dentistry practice; exceptions. 38-1117. Dentistry; license; requirements. 38-1118. Dental hygienists; application for license; examination; qualifications; license. 38-1118.01. Expanded function dental hygiene; application for permit; qualifications. 38-1118.02. Licensed dental assistant; application for license; qualifications. 38-1118.03. Expanded function dental assistant; application for permit; qualifications. 38-1119. Reexamination; requirements. 38-1120. Dentist; reciprocity; requirements. 38-1121. Dental hygienist; licensed dental assistant; reciprocity; requirements; military license; temporary license. 38-1122. Dental locum tenens; issuance; requirements; term. 38-1123. Dentist; temporary license; requirements; term; renewal. 38-1124. Faculty license; requirements; renewal; continuing competency. 38-1125.

INFECTION CONTROL PROGRAM INFORMATION AND POLICY MANUAL 2016 Clinical Affairs Committee 1 Table of Contents Overview and General Guidelines………………………………………………………………… 3 Exposure Control Plan—Exposure Determination………………………………………… 4 Engineering and Work Protocols……………………………………………………………..…… 7 Personal Hygiene………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Hand Washing………………………………………………………………………………. 8 Personal Protection…………………………………………………………………………. 8 Set Up for the Day……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Pretreatment…………………………………………………………………………………… 10 Disinfection Protocols……………………………………………………………………… 12 Patient Treatment……………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 Sharps Management……………………………………………………………………………………. 14 Extracted Teeth Protocols……………………………………………………………………………. 16 Clean-up……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Instrument Processing…………………………………………………………………….. 18 Handpiece Sterilization……………………………………………………………………. 18 Dental Unit Care……………………………………………………………………………… 20 Post-Exposure Protocols………………………………………………………………………………. 21 Intraoral Radiology………………………………………………………………………………………. 23 Dental Laboratory Procedures……………………………………………………………………… 24 Oral Surgery ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26 Tuberculosis Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………….. 30 Hepatitis B Vaccine………………………………………………………………………………………. 31 Eye Wash/Eye Safety…………………………………………………………………………………… 32 Compliance and Outcome Assessments……………………………………………………….. 33 2 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE INFECTION CONTROL PROGRAM PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the Infection

ADEA Competencies for Entry into the Allied Dental Professions (As approved by the 2011 ADEA House of Delegates) Introduction In 1998–99, the Section on Dental Hygiene of the Ameriican Association of Dental Schools, now the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), developed and presented Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Hygiene. These competenciees were widely used by the majority of accredited dental hygiene programs in defining specific program competencies. Following the June 2006 Allied Dental Education Summit, a special task force of the ADEA Council of Allied Dental Program Directors was formed to advance the recommendations from the summit. One recommendation was to develop similar competency statements for the dental assisting and dental laboratory technology disciplines. Given that charge, the ADEA Task Force on Collaboration, Innovation, and Differentiation (ADEA CID) undertook a comparative review of the then-draft Competencies for the New General Dentist and the existing Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Hygiene. Both documents were analyzed from the perspective of where the allied dental professions should be headed to support an overall health care team concept and a professional model of education and practice and, at the same time, address curriculum innovation and change and better address accesss to care issues in the spirit of collaboration with multiple health care partners. The fiinal ADEA Competencies for Entry into the Allied Dental Professions includes the dental assisting, dental hygiene, and dental laboratory technology disciplines and serves as a companion to the final ADEA Competencies for the New General Dentist. The Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Assiisting and the Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Hygiene were approved by the ADEA House of Delegates in 2010; the Competencies for Entry into the Profession of Dental Laboratory Technology were approved by the ADEA House of Delegates in 2011.