Effective November 2, 2016, dental assistants of any type will be able to take cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans after demonstrating satisfactory completion of a training program approved by the New York State Department of Health or one provided by the CBCT equipment manufacturer.  CBCT scans must be performed under the direct supervision of a dentist, which means that a dentist must be present in the section of the facility where the procedure is being performed and is not concurrently encumbered by responsibilities that would preclude the dentist from responding to a request for assistance within a timeframe that poses no risk to the patient.  The dentist shall be immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure, and is professionally responsible for the performance of the procedure.  It does not mean that the dentist must be present in the room when the procedure is performed.

No information has been issued on available training programs yet.  Manufacturers of CBCT equipment would be the best source to check for available training program offerings.  We expect more information on this from the NYS Department of Health in the near future.

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