Which of the following can a dental assistant NOT initiate?

A dental assistant is not permitted to administer anesthetics, as this task falls under the scope of practice for licensed dentists and dental hygienists. Administering anesthetics requires specialized training and certification due to the potential risks and intricacies involved in delivering such medication. This responsibility is firmly within the professional duties of licensed practitioners, ensuring that patient safety and care standards are met.

In contrast, recording patient history is a vital component of the dental process that dental assistants can perform. This task involves gathering essential information about the patient's oral health and medical background, which helps the dental team to provide appropriate care.

Dental assistants may also conduct initial examinations, such as gathering preliminary data for the dentist to evaluate. While the depth of these examinations is guided by the dentist, assistants can perform a range of basic assessments.

Additionally, assisting in prosthodontic procedures is well within the dental assistant's scope. This may involve preparing materials, managing instruments, and supporting the dentist during the procedure. Each of these tasks requires a certain level of training and is vital to the functioning of the dental practice, but they do not entail the same level of risk as administering anesthetics.