SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes advanced a measure out of the Senate that would give dental assistants the ability to perform duties for which they have completed training requirements.

“It is easier for someone to learn how to do something by watching it than by simply hearing how to do it,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “If dental assistants get practice completing tasks before they are officially licensed, it can help them perfect their skills.”

Under the measure, if a dental assistant has completed training requirements for a certain type of services, they would be permitted to perform such services on patients. This would expand the functions that dental assistants are allowed to complete, as long as they are trained and certified for them.

The purpose of the measure is to update the licensure exam requirements to better reflect current testing, which would improve the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation’s ability to suspend a testing agency if its exam integrity or competency standards are compromised.

”Dental assistants play a vital part in our oral care,” said Cervantes. “Allowing them to step up and help dentists will in turn help patients.”

Senate Bill 2846 passed the Senate Thursday.