Are dental auxiliaries permitted to use the Kavo Diagnodent?

The use of the Kavo Diagnodent, a diagnostic tool for detecting dental caries, is not permitted for dental auxiliaries in Mississippi without direct supervision from a licensed dentist. This restriction is rooted in the scope of practice regulations that define what dental auxiliaries are legally authorized to do. The device employs laser fluorescence to identify carious lesions, and interpreting the results requires a thorough understanding of dental conditions, which is within the purview of licensed dentists.

This limitation ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, as dentists possess the comprehensive education and clinical judgment necessary to make informed decisions based on the diagnostic data provided by such tools. By clarifying that dental auxiliaries cannot independently use this diagnostic equipment, the regulations aim to maintain patient safety and the integrity of dental diagnostic practices.