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Council recommends restoring amalgam‑polish duty for RDAEFs and updates EF education requirements
Summary
The council recommended legislation to reinstate 'polish and contour existing amalgam restorations' to the list of duties for registered dental assistants in extended functions and to update training requirements for RDAEFs licensed before 2010.
The Dental Assisting Council recommended that the board submit a legislative proposal to amend Business and Professions Code sections 17.53 and 17.53.5 to add “polish and contour existing amalgam restorations” back to the RDAEF (registered dental assistant in extended functions) duties list and to update education requirements for RDAEFs licensed before January 1, 2010.
Why it matters: Board staff told the council they believe the duty was removed inadvertently during statutory revisions to SB 1453 (SB 14 53) and that polishing and contouring existing amalgam restorations is a specialized procedure that should be explicitly listed for RDAEFs licensed after 2010. Staff also recommended amending the older‑license pathway language so those licensed before 2010 must complete board‑approved courses in the renumbered/updated duties.
Council discussion and vote: Council members discussed whether the duty was already covered under other language that allows finishing and adjusting direct restorations; proponents said explicitly listing amalgam polishing removed ambiguity. The council voted to recommend the proposed statutory amendments to the board. The motion was made and seconded and passed on roll call; one member abstained.
