Through the efforts of many individuals, institutions, and organizations the Kentucky state legislature in July 2002 made changes to the Dental Practice Act. One of these changes permits the coronal polishing of teeth by dental assistants. Recognizing that proper training is essential for the delivery of quality care, a training course is required prior to an assistant being able to perform this function.

Representatives from professional dental organizations, the Board of Dentistry, and dental educators from across Kentucky have worked together to develop a standardized course which will be offered throughout the Commonwealth. This manual is the result of those efforts.

We would like to recognize Dr. Matthew Gandolfo, Dr. Sue Feeley and Ms. Mary Ann Burch RDH from the Board of Dentistry who also interacted with our group to assist the process. The contributions of other colleagues from the Kentucky Dental Association, the Kentucky Dental Hygienists Association, and other educational institutions are also gratefully acknowledged.

The materials in this manual are adapted from training modules developed by the Oral Health Resources International Office of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. All copyrights are retained by the University of Kentucky and no part of the material may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the University of Kentucky. Special acknowledgement is due Dr. Eric Spohn, Ms. Amy Simmons, and Dr. Judy Skelton who have worked to develop the materials.

The module Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Related to Coronal Polishing by Dental Assistants was developed and written by Ms. Sandra Mullins. The module Describe and Choose Equipment and Materials to Selectively Polish Teeth was edited by Ms. Jennifer Miller and Ms. Darlene Daniel.