Which statement is incorrect pertaining to dental assistant duties in an orthodontic practice?

1) The dental assistant motivates and reinforces oral home care.
2) The dental assistant removes primary teeth.
3) The dental assistant makes appliance adjustments.
4) The dental assistant takes and fabricates diagnostic records.

The incorrect statement about dental assistant duties in an orthodontic practice is that dental assistants remove primary teeth. This task is performed by a dentist or orthodontist, while assistants may help with chairside support.

Explanation:

The statement that is incorrect pertaining to dental assistant duties in an orthodontic practice is: 2) The dental assistant removes primary teeth. Dental assistants may have a variety of responsibilities in an orthodontic office, but removing teeth is not typically one of them. This procedure is typically performed by a dentist or an orthodontist. Dental assistants are more likely to assist with the procedure by providing support to the professional performing the extraction.

Dental assistants typically undertake tasks such as motivating and reinforcing oral home care, making appliance adjustments under the supervision of an orthodontist, and taking and fabricating diagnostic records. Adjustments to appliances may only be carried out with the orthodontist's direction. Every local regulatory body has different rules regarding the scope of practice for dental assistants which should always be adhered to.