Can dental assistants perform any procedures independently?

Dental assistants are required to operate under the supervision of a dentist in order to ensure safe and effective dental care. This supervision is fundamental to maintaining high standards of patient safety and treatment quality. The scope of practice for dental assistants is clearly defined by state regulations, which typically stipulate that they may assist with various tasks but cannot perform procedures independently or make clinical decisions without oversight from a licensed dentist.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role and limitations placed upon dental assistants. Specifically, saying they can perform all procedures or even just minor procedures independently overlooks the critical need for direct supervision to protect patient welfare and adhere to legal and professional standards. The option suggesting they can perform procedures with specific training also misrepresents the required relationship between dental assistants and dentists, as training does not grant independent practice authority. Instead, it reinforces the importance of a supervising licensed professional in any dental procedure.