Who is generally authorized to perform coronal polishing in California?

In California, the practice of coronal polishing is specifically regulated to ensure that only qualified individuals perform this procedure. Registered Dental Hygienists and certified Dental Assistants are authorized to perform coronal polishing because they have received the necessary education, training, and certification to ensure they can do so safely and effectively.

Registered Dental Hygienists undergo extensive training that includes not only coronal polishing but also a wide range of preventive and therapeutic procedures. Their education prepares them to understand the anatomical and physiological aspects of dental care, making them well-suited for such tasks.

Certified Dental Assistants, on the other hand, must complete a specific training program that includes coronal polishing and successfully pass a certification exam. This rigorous preparation ensures they are competent in the skills needed to perform coronal polishing without causing harm to the patient.

In contrast, individuals lacking certification or proper training, such as dental assistants without the required certification or untrained personnel, do not possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform coronal polishing safely, which could potentially lead to complications. Therefore, only the designated groups mentioned are authorized to handle this dental procedure in California, maintaining professional standards and patient safety.