Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

If the dentist is in the office, which function cannot be performed by a dental assistant?

1. Take radiographs

2. Take preliminary impressions

3. Mechanical polish to the clinical crowns only

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: None of the above

In Minnesota, dental assistants are allowed to perform a variety of functions under the supervision of a dentist, including taking radiographs, making preliminary impressions, and performing mechanical polishing of clinical crowns. The critical point in this question is understanding the scopes of practice defined by Minnesota law. Taking radiographs is a task that can be delegated to dental assistants when the dentist is present, as they are trained and certified for this purpose. Similarly, taking preliminary impressions is also within the scope of practice for dental assistants when supervised. When it comes to performing mechanical polishing on clinical crowns, Minnesota regulations permit dental assistants to carry out this procedure, provided the dentist is available in the office. Therefore, all the functions listed can be performed by a dental assistant when a dentist is present, which means that the answer indicating that none of these tasks falls outside the dental assistant's capabilities in the dentist's presence is accurate. Thus, there are no restrictions within the outlined tasks provided that the dentist is present, affirming the answer given.