Please note: These data are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as a legal opinion about dental practice in any state. To verify, or if you have questions, please contact your state's dental board.
A dental assistant in the state of California must be state certified in radiography to legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiologic procedures. To apply for state certification, a dental assistant must: (1a) Successfully complete a California Board-approved radiation safety course which includes theory and clinical application in radiographic technique or (1b) Pass a California Board-approved radiation safety exam (prior to January 1, 1985) AND (2) Submit a copy of the certificate of completion to the Dental Board of California.
To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of California, a dental assistant must be licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF). To register as an RDAEF, one must: (1) Hold a valid license as a Registered Dental Assistant (see below) or complete the requirements for RDA licensure AND (2) Successfully complete a California Board-approved course for the application of pit and fissure sealants AND (3) Successfully complete a California Board-approved extended functions educational program AND (4) Pass a California Board-approved written exam and a state clinical or practical exam AND (5) Apply to the Dental Board of California for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions.
To be licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the state of California, one must: (1a) Graduate from a California Board-approved RDA educational program or (1b) Complete 15 months of work experience as a dental assistant AND (2) Successfully complete California Board-approved courses in radiation safety and coronal polishing AND (3) Successfully complete California Board-approved courses in the California Dental Practice Act and infection control within five years prior to application AND (4) Pass a state written and practical
exam AND (5) Pass a state written exam in law and ethics AND (6) Apply for licensure as an RDA to the Dental Board of California.
To hold a Dental Sedation Assistant permit, one must: (1a) Be an RDAEF or (1b) Be an RDA or (1c) Complete 12 months of work experience as a dental assistant and successfully complete board approved courses in the California Practice Act and infection control and successfully complete an AHA or ARC-approved course in BLS AND (2) Successfully complete a California Board-approved dental sedation assistant course AND (3) Pass a state written exam in dental sedation duties AND (4) Apply for a dental sedation assistant permit to the Dental Board of California.
To hold an Orthodontic Assistant permit, one must: (1a) Be an RDAEF or (1b) Be an RDA or (1c) Complete 12 months of work experience as a dental assistant and successfully complete board approved courses in the California Practice Act and infection control and successfully complete an AHA or ARC-approved course in BLS AND (2) Successfully complete a California Board-approved orthodontic assistant course AND (3) Pass a state written exam in orthodontic duties AND (4) Apply for an orthodontic assistant permit to the Dental Board of California.
An Unlicensed Dental Assistant may perform basic supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The employer is responsible for ensuring that dental assistants in continuous employment for 120 days or more have proof of completing all of the following within a year from date of employment: (1) A California Dental Board-approved course in the California Dental Practice Act AND (2) A California Dental Board-approved course in infection control AND (3) An AHA or ARC-approved course in BLS. The employer is also responsible for ensuring that the dental assistants maintains certification in BLS.
Note: This information reflects changes made to the California Business and Professions Code, effective January 1, 2010. As of the date of publication, the Dental Board of California has not yet drafted corresponding regulations for the California Code of Regulations, Title 16.
For information on DANB-administered exams, contact DANB. For information on state requirements, contact the Dental Board of California at 916-263-2300 or visit www.dbc.ca.gov
DANB's State Fact Booklet: A Complete Listing by State of Required DANB Examinations and Excerpts from State Practice Acts provides valuable dental assisting information by state as a resource for dental assisting professionals and other communities of interest.
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