Under direct supervision, what procedure can Janet, a dental assistant, perform?

A dental assistant working under direct supervision is permitted to perform specific tasks as outlined in California’s Dental Practice Act. Direct supervision means that a licensed dentist must be present in the office while the assistant is performing the procedure, allowing the dentist to authorize and oversee the task.

In the context of the choices given, placing, wedging, and removing matrices is an appropriate procedure that a dental assistant can perform under direct supervision. This task involves assisting in the placement of matrices during restorative procedures, which is fundamental for ensuring proper tooth structure is maintained during fillings or other restorative work.

The other options, while they may be tasks associated with dental procedures, are either not allowed for dental assistants under direct supervision or require a higher level of qualification. For instance, applying fluoride treatments is typically expected to be performed by a registered dental hygienist or dentist, while taking dental X-rays may also require specific certifications for assistants, such as a radiology certificate, depending on the extent of the procedures they are allowed to perform. Extractions are generally beyond the scope of practice for dental assistants, as they involve surgical procedures that must be carried out by a licensed dentist.

Thus, the correct understanding of the role of a dental assistant under direct supervision allows for the identification of placing matrices as