ATTENTION: important Update on HF805
ATTENTION DENTAL ASSISTANTS OF IOWA!
We have seen some media posts and know of other false information being circulated about bill HF805 that has been signed by the Governor!
We feel the need to explain what the final, passed version of HF 805 does, and particularly, what it does not do.
What it does: creates a new unregistered tier for dental assistants. This tier will operate under the licensure authority granted to the practicing dentist. The dental board will determine scope of practice, but because of the oversight needed from the dentist, we anticipate the scope will be quite limited relative to the scope of a registered dental assistant, likely to line-of-sight duties only.
What it does NOT do: change any existing registration tiers/expanded functions for registered dental assistants. Everything that exists at present will remain unchanged. If you are currently registered, you should plan to continue as if nothing has changed. You should still be doing your continuing education, exams, and registration renewal. Failure to do so will result in a drastic decrease in the scope of duties you may perform, and it will require you to be overseen by a licensed dentist.
For prospective dental assistants: the new, unregistered tier may be a way to get in the door, but failure to go on to register as a dental assistant will hinder career advancement longer term. We encourage anyone interested in a career as a dental assistant to pursue existing paths to registration in order to further their own careers and make them eligible for pursuing the ability to perform expanded functions.
Renewal for 2025 is still required to remain registered.
It would not be in anyone’s best interest to not renew, as your scope of practice will only be what is allowed as an unregistered DA.
Lastly, the rules and scope of practice will be determined by the Iowa Dental Board after 7/1/2025 and this could take several months.
No one will be allowed to be an unregistered dental Assistant until these rules/scope are made law.
We are well aware that there are some updates being given that are false, please be carful where you get your information!
If you or your dentist have any questions please message us or email us at Iowa.dental.assistants@gmail.com
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If you are passionate about Dental Assisting and want to help make a difference for Dental Assistants in Iowa, then join our team!
We are looking for the next generation of Dental Assistants to continue the legacy of IDAA.
If you are a member of the American Dental Assistants Association you are already a member of the IDAA, so why not become involved?
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Please email iowa.dental.assistants@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.