Final answer:
A licensed dentist may delegate a dental assistant to use a prophy cup and polishing material on a patient's teeth if the assistant has been properly trained and supervised by the dentist. This procedure is part of dental prophylaxis to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health.
Step-by-step explanation:
A licensed dentist may delegate a dental assistant to use a prophy cup and polishing material on a patient's teeth under specific circumstances. The dentist may delegate this task if the dental assistant has been properly trained and has demonstrated competence in performing it. In addition, the dentist must directly supervise the dental assistant during the procedure to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
The use of a prophy cup and polishing material is part of a dental prophylaxis procedure, also known as teeth cleaning. It involves the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth surfaces to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. The dental assistant's role in this procedure is to assist the dentist and enhance the efficiency of the treatment.