Can a Florida dentist delegate tasks to a dental assistant?

• A. No delegation allowed.
• B. Delegation is allowed under Board rules, with tasks limited to what the auxiliary is trained and authorized to perform and under dentist supervision.
• C. The dentist can delegate any task to an assistant.
• D. Delegation is allowed only for administrative tasks.

Answer: (B)

In Florida, dentists may delegate certain clinical tasks to dental assistants, but only under rules set by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Delegation is permitted as long as the task is within the auxiliary’s training and authorization and is performed under the supervising dentist’s oversight. This means the assistant must have completed the required training and be specifically authorized to perform that duty, and the dentist must supervise to ensure patient safety and appropriate treatment. The dentist remains responsible for the care and must be available for consultation and diagnosis as needed. Tasks outside the assistant’s training or beyond the delegated scope cannot be delegated, and delegation is not limited to administrative work; it can include clinical tasks that the auxiliary is qualified to perform under supervision.