Why are dental assistants not required to be certified under Minnesota law?

Dental assistants in Minnesota are not required to be certified under state law primarily because certification is not necessary for most of the duties they perform. The scope of practice for dental assistants includes tasks that do not legally mandate certification. This allows dental practices the flexibility to employ individuals who may not have formal certification but still possess the skills and knowledge to perform essential tasks effectively.

While practical experience can be valuable, it is not the determining factor for certification requirements. Additionally, the desires of dental assistants regarding certification or long-standing laws may influence how the profession operates, but they do not reflect the legal requirements in place concerning the necessity of certification for performing routine duties.

As a result, the absence of a statutory requirement for certification underlines the recognition that many duties performed by dental assistants can be effectively carried out without formal certification, ensuring that dental professionals can focus on delivering care without additional administrative burdens.