Which professional is permitted to place a wedge and remove matrices for restorative procedures?

In California, the regulations governing dental assisting allow for different scopes of practice depending on the level of training and certification of the dental professional. A Dental Assistant (DA), a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) all have the potential to engage in certain tasks during restorative procedures, including placing wedges and removing matrices.

Dental Assistants are trained to perform various duties, and while their scope is more limited compared to RDAs, they can still assist in basic tasks related to restorative procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Registered Dental Assistants, having completed additional education and training, are permitted to perform a wider range of functions, including tasks associated with restorative procedures, which encompasses placing wedges and removing matrices.

Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions, with further training that enables them to perform advanced duties, also have the authority to carry out these tasks. Therefore, each of these roles—DA, RDA, and RDAEF—meets the legal requirements to place wedges and remove matrices, making it appropriate to assert that all of the listed professionals are allowed to perform these functions in California dental practice.

This understanding underscores the importance of recognizing the levels of qualification and the specific duties assigned