Is a dental assistant's use of a mouth mirror to inspect the oral cavity within her scope of practice?

The correct answer to whether a dental assistant's use of a mouth mirror to inspect the oral cavity is within their scope of practice is true. In California, dental assistants are generally allowed to perform certain procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist, but the use of a mouth mirror to directly inspect the oral cavity is not explicitly included in their defined responsibilities.

This means that if a dental assistant were to use a mouth mirror for purposes of inspection, it would not align with their scope of practice, which is primarily focused on tasks such as assisting the dentist, preparing patients, and managing dental instruments, rather than conducting inspections that require diagnostic judgment.

It's also important to note that additional training or supervision levels, such as extra training or general supervision, do not expand the foundational responsibilities of a dental assistant in this context. The role of inspecting the oral cavity is typically reserved for licensed dentists or dental hygienists who possess the necessary training and legal authority to perform such evaluations.