Expanded duty dental assistants' scope includes which task?

• A. Take radiographs
• B. Perform root canals
• C. Oral inspections with a mirror
• D. Administer anesthesia

Answer: (C)

Expanded-duty dental assistants perform supervised, non-invasive tasks that support the dentist but don’t involve diagnostic or invasive procedures. Using a mouth mirror to conduct an oral inspection fits this role because it’s a basic screening action that helps the dentist assess the patient’s oral health without performing definitive treatment. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t require the higher level skills or risks associated with radiographs, endodontic therapy, or anesthesia.

Taking radiographs, performing root canals, and administering anesthesia are all beyond the usual expanded-duty scope. Radiographs may require specific certifications or different licensure, root canals are complex endodontic procedures that require a dentist, and anesthesia administration involves significant risk and is tightly regulated, typically restricted to licensed clinicians.