AB2637: Expanded Function Dental ASSISTANT

[John Durian]

For those practicing dentists and soon-to-be graduates of D-school, what do you think of this "expanded function dental assistant." Will they really increase productivity in the office, or will this take away the "bread and butter" of dentistry? According to the article given below, this new DA-nurse will be able to "do restorative work such as fillings, crowns and bridges that used to be done only by dentists... can't diagnose, use anesthesia, perform surgery or do extractions... can't prepare teeth for restorative work by drilling... but can fill cavities and install crowns and bridges" and are "expected to make about the same salary as dental hygienists." I mean, this has got to be better than the ADHP though but I still have my reservations about the creation of such a position. What do you guys think?

Article: http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2010/03/08/story2.html

Bill: http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2601-2650/ab_2637_cfa_20080812_162319_sen_floor.html