HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

What is an important characteristic of Expanded-functions dental assistants?

1. They primarily manage the front office

2. They can legally perform certain restorative procedures

3. They focus solely on patient education

4. They administer anesthesia

The correct answer is: They can legally perform certain restorative procedures

An important characteristic of expanded-functions dental assistants is their ability to legally perform certain restorative procedures. This means they have received additional training and certification that allows them to carry out specific tasks that go beyond those of a traditional dental assistant. This qualification is crucial in enhancing the efficiency of dental practices, as it enables these professionals to take on responsibilities such as placing fillings, applying sealants, and other tasks that contribute directly to patient care and treatment. The role of expanded-functions dental assistants is designed to support dentists in delivering comprehensive care, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the time necessary for procedures. Their ability to perform such restorative tasks is essential in modern dental settings, where maximizing the use of skilled personnel is key to effective patient management. In comparison, managing the front office primarily pertains to administrative duties, which do not require the same level of clinical skill or training. Focusing solely on patient education does not encompass the breadth of responsibilities held by expanded-functions dental assistants. Additionally, while they may assist with certain aspects of anesthesia administration, the legal authority to administer anesthesia typically rests with licensed dental professionals or practitioners specifically trained for that task, rather than with expanded-functions dental assistants.