Can dental auxiliaries legally place sealants?

Dental auxiliaries can legally place sealants, and this practice is supported by dental regulations that outline the scope of practice for dental professionals. In many states, including Mississippi, dental auxiliaries—such as dental hygienists and dental assistants—are authorized to perform certain procedures under the supervision or delegation of a licensed dentist.

Sealants are preventive treatments applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities. The ability for dental auxiliaries to place sealants aligns with their education and training. Most dental boards recognize that sealant application is within the skill set of properly trained auxiliary staff, thus allowing them to perform this procedure as part of the overall dental team approach.

The decision to permit dental auxiliaries to apply sealants reflects a balance between improving patient access to care and ensuring that qualified professionals are performing safe and effective dental procedures. This is consistent across multiple states, but specific regulations may vary, further highlighting the importance of understanding the guidelines in one's state of practice.