If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant, you might be confused by the education and training requirements—and that’s okay, because it can be confusing! Every state has different regulations regarding what you’re allowed to do as an assistant, how long you have to go to school before becoming certified, and even whether you need to be certified at all. On top of that, dental assistant titles vary from state to state, with a hodgepodge of acronyms including things like RDA, CDA, EFRDA, CPFDA, and CDPMA—which can all have different certifying requirements and allowed duties depending on where you live.
The two most common titles you’ll see are Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). While many states allow dental assistants to work with little to no training under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, dental assistants who have earned the title of RDA or CDA have more freedom to work independently. They have proven advanced knowledge in the field, and are paid better for their skills than unlicensed assistants.
Certified Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants are often similar in their training requirements and allowed duties. The difference is that Certified Dental Assistants are qualified through the Dental Assisting National Board and their certifications are valid in many states. Registered Dental Assistants are qualified by their respective individual states, many of which require CDAs to obtain additional training before they can become RDAs.
Beyond the RDA and CDA
Additional certifications and training are available beyond RDA and CDA. Many states offer extended function certifications in areas such as coronal polishing. Radiography is sometimes part of standard training and sometimes requires extra certification. Other options include certifications in anesthesia, oral surgery, or orthodontics.
Get ready for alphabet soup
The table below gives a brief overview of the titles available and the training required for dental assistants in each of the fifty states of the U.S. These listings are not authoritative; they’re just a general introduction. You can click the link at each state to get more detail from the appropriate dental board. Also, there are a couple things you’ll see over and over in the list that we should define up front:
DANB — Dental Assisting National Board. The DANB offers a number of national certifications, including the CDA. Some states require that you pass DANB’s CDA exam, while other states have their own exams that you must pass instead to become an RDA.
CODA — Commission on Dental Accreditation. CODA offers accreditation for many dental assisting schools, and many states require assistants to be graduates of one of these schools. If your state requires graduation from a CODA-accredited school, you can start your search for one here.
What are the requirements for being a dental assistant in my state?
| State | Recognized Levels of Dental Assistant | |
| Alabama | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| Alaska | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Restorative Functions | Certification in restorative functions required | |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing Procedures | Certification in coronal polishing required | |
| Arizona | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing Procedures | Must hold Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate | |
| Expanded Functions Dental Assistant | Allowed to perform specified restorative functions. Must hold an Arizona Expanded Function Restorative certification | |
| Arkansas | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| Registered Dental Assistant | There are a variety of paths to becoming an RDA in Arkansas. One option is getting your CDA and then passing the Arkansas exam. As an RDA you’ll be allowed to perform coronal polishing, operate radiographic equipment, and other duties not authorized for general Dental Assistants. | |
| California | Unlicensed Dental Assistant | After minimal training, is allowed to perform basic supportive procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist |
| Registered Dental Assistant | Extensive education and/or work experience plus approved training in radiation safety, coronal polishing, infection control, and basic life support is required, along with passing the state RDA exam. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant with Extended Functions | With extended functions certification, an RDA’s duties can expand to include preliminary oral health evaluations, taking impressions, and more. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions with additional training | With additional training and certification, an RDA will be allowed to make determinations regarding which radiographs to perform for new patients. They will also be allowed to place protective interim restorations. | |
| Dental Sedation Assistant | A dental sedation assistant is allowed to monitor patients undergoing general anesthesia or conscious sedation, with additional duties including administration of drugs through intravenous lines. Twelve months of dental assisting experience is required, plus additional training and examination. | |
| Orthodontic Assistant | Training and certification as an orthodontic assistant allows duties specific to working in an orthodontist’s office. | |
| Colorado | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| Connecticut | Dental Assistant | Assistants must successfully the DANB infection control exam or an infection control assessment administered by a CODA-accredited dental education program in Connecticut. |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant | Must be a CDA (or Certified Orthodontic Assistant) and complete complete additional education and exam requirements. | |
| Delaware | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist |
| District of Columbia | Level 1 Dental Assistant | Assistants must have a high school diploma and must complete a satisfactory course in dental radiography. |
| Level 2 Dental Assistant | Must be a CDA or have completed another approved dental assisting education program. A course in dental radiography is also required. | |
| Florida | On-the-Job Trained Dental Assistant | Performs basic supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant formally trained in expanded functions | Must complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or a program approved by the Florida Board. | |
| Dental Assistant formally trained in restorative functions | To perform intraoral restorative functions under supervision of a licensed dentist, an assistant must have graduated from an approved dental assisting program, document 2,400 hours of clinical work experience, and complete an accredited restorative functions training course approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry. | |
| Georgia | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Duty Dental Assistant | A high school diploma, current CPR certification, and completion of a Georgia Board-approved course in expanded assisting duties (DANB’s CDA will work) are required. | |
| Hawaii | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Idaho | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Illinois | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Expanded Functions | To perform coronal scaling, coronal polishing, or to place and finish amalgam, composite, or interim restorations, must meet state requirements and work under the direct supervision of a dentist. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant | Must complete approved training courses in expanded functions. | |
| Indiana | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing / Dental Assistant Qualified in Medicaments for the Control of Dental Caries / Dental Assistant Qualified in Administering Nitrous Oxide | Must complete certifications and (for medicaments and nitrous) have minimum one year experience. | |
| Iowa | Dental Assistant Trainee | Must be a high school graduate and must apply for a certificate of trainee status. |
| Registered Dental Assistant | Must have six months experience as an assistant or be a graduate of an approved assisting program, and must complete additional courses in infection control and hazardous materials. | |
| Basic Expanded Function Provider | Must be a graduate of a CODA-accredited program, hold a current DANB certification, or have a minimum of one year experience as a registered dental assistant. | |
| Certified Level 1 Provider | A registered dental assistant must complete a board-approved training program in all Level 1 expanded functions (gingival retraction, applying cavity liners and desensitizing agents, taking final impressions, placement of temporary filling materials, etc.). | |
| Certified Level 2 Provider | Must complete one year as a Level 1 provider and complete an approved training program in all Level 2 functions (placement and shaping of amalgam and adhesive restorative materials, placement of intracoranal temporary fillings, fitting of stainless steel crowns, etc.). | |
| Kansas | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant with Expanded Duties Training | For coronal polishing, the assistant must undergo appropriate training by a licensed dentist. For coronal scaling, the assistant must complete an approved course of instruction. For administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide, the assistant must be certified in CPR and must complete an approved course of instruction at a CODA-accredited teaching program. | |
| Kentucky | Dental Auxiliary | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Registered Dental Assistant | The assistant must be certified in CPR and the supervising dentist must attest to the assistant’s competency in delegated procedures. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing / Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in IV Placement | The assistant must complete board approved courses from qualified institutions. | |
| Louisiana | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Duty Dental Assistant | Must complete an expanded duty program approved the the state board or an equivalent CODA-accredited program, and complete an approved radiography course. | |
| Maine | Unlicensed Person | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant | Must hold current DANB CDA certification or an active dental hygiene license and complete expanded function dental assisting program approved by the state. | |
| Maryland | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Additional training and experience requirements must be met to work under general supervision for a sealant program. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties | Must complete an approved 35-hour course relating to Maryland dental assisting duties as well as hold a DANB CDA or pass the Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded Functions exam. | |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics | Must complete an approved 35-hour course relating to Maryland orthodontic dental assisting duties as well as hold a DANB COA or pass the Maryland General Orthodontic Assisting Expanded Functions exam. | |
| Massachusetts | Dental Assistant Trained on the Job | Must be 18 years old or older, pass a course on CDC guidelines, and be CPR certified. |
| Certified Assistant (CA) or Formally Trained Assistant (FTDA) | For CA, must be DANB certified as CDA, COA, CPFDA, or CRFDA or hold certification from another approved certifying body. For FTDA, must have completed an approved CODA program. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant | Must hold DANB certification and complete a formal CODA program in Massachusetts expanded functions. | |
| Michigan | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Registered Dental Assistant | Must be certified by an accredited CODA dental assisting program that meets Michigan Board of Dentistry requirements and pass Michigan Board comprehensive and clinical exam. | |
| Minnesota | Dental Assistant | Must be CPR certified and comply with current infection control guidelines to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) | Must be certified by an approved DANB CDA program and pass Minnesota licensing exam. | |
| Licensed Dental Assistant with Collaborative Practice Authorization | A LDA may enter into a collaborative agreement with a licensed dentist to perform specified dental assisting services without direct dental oversight in a health care facility, program, or nonprofit organization. | |
| Mississippi | Dental Assistant | Must be CPR certified within 180 days of employment to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Missouri | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Functions Dental Assistant | Must be certified by approved DANB or CODA program with Missouri Dental Board approved expanded function training. | |
| Montana | Dental Auxiliary | Must graduate from a CODA dental assisting program or receive instruction and training by a license dentist or board-approved continuing education course. |
| DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) | Must hold DANB CDA certification. | |
| Nebraska | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Must be CPR certified to monitor nitrous oxide or assist in administration of anesthesia or sedation. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing | Must graduate from CODA-accredited course that includes coronal polishing, or complete 1,500 hours of work experience as a dental assistant and pass an approved course in polishing procedures. | |
| Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) | Must graduate from a CODA-accredited course or have equivalent work experience and pass Nebraska Board of Dentistry exams. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) | Must complete 1,500 hours work experience as an LDA and complete approved expanded functions coursework. | |
| Nevada | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The dentist must attest that the assistant has had adequate training in infection control. |
| New Hampshire | Traditional Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Graduate Dental Assistant (GDA) | Must be a Graduate Dental Assistant or DANB CDA. | |
| Dental Assistant Qualified to Perform Expanded Duties | Must be a Graduate Dental Assistant or DANB CDA or pass an introductory course and qualify in infection control; and must meet specific course, certification, or experience requirements for each expanded function. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) | Must be a registered dental hygienist, hold a DANB CDA, or be a graduate of a CODA-accredited program; and must have a minimum 4,500 hours of clinical experience; and must complete an approved EFDA course in dental restorations; and must be certified in basic life support. | |
| New Jersey | Unregistered Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | Must pass DANB CDA or COA exam and graduate from an approved CODA-accredited assisting program or have two years work experience as a dental assistant and pass an approved program in expanded functions. | |
| Orthodontic Assistant (RDA) | Must pass an approved dental assisting program or have at least two years experience as a dental assistant; and must pass DANB’s COA exam, topical fluoride exam, and coronal polish exam. | |
| New Mexico | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant with State Certification in Expanded Functions | State certification including education and/or work experience is required for coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealants. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary | Approved EFDA coursework is required, and must pass EFDA clinical exam. Must be certified in radiography, coronal polishing, and pit and fissure sealant expanded functions. | |
| Community Dental Health Coordinator | Must have expanded functions certifications and complete an approved CDHC program. | |
| New York | Dental Assistant with a Limited Permit | Must complete an approved dental assisting program or alternative course of study. Limited permit allows for supervised work experience before taking and passing required exams. |
| Registered Dental Assistant | Must complete approved course of study plus 200 hours of clinical experience, or alternative course of study that includes at least 1,000 hours of work experience. Must pass DANB’s CDA exam or New York’s Professional Dental Assisting exam; and must pass DANB’s Radiation, Health, and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams | |
| North Carolina | Dental Assistant I (DA I) | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. To monitor patients under nitrous oxide, must complete an approved seven-hour course. |
| Dental Assistant II in Training (DA II in Training) | Training consists of 3,000 hours of chairside assisting under supervision of a licensed North Carolina dentist. | |
| Dental Assistant II (DA II) | Must complete an approved CODA-accredited assisting program or hold DANB CDA; or must complete 3,000 hours of full-time assisting employment and additional coursework in CPR, infection control, and office emergencies. Additional coursework required for coronal polishing or monitoring nitrous oxide. | |
| North Dakota | Dental Assistant | Must have CPR certificate to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA) | Must pass DANB’s Radiation, Health, and Safety exam and Infection Control exam; must complete 650 hours of instruction including on-the-job training; and must pass examination on North Dakota laws and rules regarding dentistry. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | Must pass DANB’s CDA exam or an approved CODA-accredited program. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant Qualified to Apply Pit and Fissure Sealants | Must be an RDA and successfully complete an approved course in sealants. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant with Restorative Functions Permit | Must be an RDA and successfully complete restorative functions coursework and training. | |
| Anesthesia Assisting | Must be an RDA and successfully complete additional training in anesthesia assisting. | |
| Ohio | Basic Qualified Personel (BQP) | Trained directly by employer/dentist. Must show evidence of immunity/immunization against Hepatitis B. Additional training and work experience required to monitor nitrous oxide. |
| Certified Assistant | Requires DANB CDA or certification by Ohio Commission on Dental Assistant Certification. Additional requirements for coronal polishing or pet and fissure sealants. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary | Must be a certified assistant or dental hygienist and complete an approved EFDA training course and pass the EFDA exam. BLS certification also required. | |
| Oklahoma | Dental Assistant | Must be adequately trained by the supervising dentist and must pass a background check. |
| Dental Assistant with Expanded Function Permit | Must complete training in expanded functions at CODA-accredited program. | |
| Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant | Must complete six months of training followed by completion of the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Exam. | |
| Oregon | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) | Must complete a CODA-accredited assisting program or pass the DANB CDA exam and hold an Oregon certificate of radiologic proficiency. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) with Restorative Functions | An Expanded Function Dental Assistant must complete additional coursework and training for certification in restorative functions. | |
| Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA) | For expanded orthodontic functions, an EFDA must have additional training and pass the Oregon Expanded Functions/Orthodontic Assisting exam. | |
| Expanded Function Preventive Dental Assistant (EFPDA) | Coursework and proficiency in radiology, infection control, and coronal polishing are required. | |
| Anesthesia Monitor | Must be certified in BLS/CPR and receive training in monitoring patients under sedation and assisting with procedure, problems, and emergencies. | |
| Anesthesia Assistant with IV Therapy Certificate | Must complete an approved course in intravenous access or phlebotomy. | |
| Pennsylvania | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant | Must graduate from an expanded function dental assisting program, a CODA-accredited hygiene school, or complete an approved state certification program. | |
| Rhode Island | Dental Assistant | Must hold a Basic Life Support certificate and complete on hour per year of infection control training. |
| DANB Certified Assistant | Must hold a DANB CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, COMSA, or CDPMA. | |
| DAANCE Certified Maxilofacial Surgery Assistant | Must complete an approved program fo Dental Anesthesia Assistants National Certification Exam (DAANCE) and complete an approved cardiac life support course. | |
| South Carolina | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Must be CPR certified to work in settings where sedation is administered. |
| Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) | Must graduate from a CODA-accredited assisting program or complete two years of continuous full-time employment as a chairside dental assistant. | |
| South Dakota | Unlicensed Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | Must hold DANB CDA or graduate from an approved dental assisting program. Must be CPR certified. | |
| Analgesia, Sedation, and Anesthesia Assisting | Must have Basic Life Support certification and complete an approved course in anesthesia assisting. | |
| Tennessee | Practical Dental Assistant | Must be currently receiving practical chairside dental assisting training. |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | Must successfully complete BLS and CPR or equivalent courses and complete the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence exam. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant Qualified to Perform Expanded Functions | Must complete coursework for coronal polishing, sealants, nitrous oxide, and/or restorative/prosthetic functions. | |
| Texas | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified to Perform Expanded Functions | For coronal polishing or pit and fissure sealants, two years work experience is required plus additional coursework. | |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | A DANB CDA or completion of course of study approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners is required. | |
| Utah | Dental Assistant | Dental assistants must have current CPR or BSL certification. |
| Vermont | Traditional Dental Assistant | Must complete emergency office procedures training within six months of hiring. |
| DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with State Certification | Must hold DANB CDA and be employed by a licensed Vermont dentist. | |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (RDA) | A CDA or licensed dental hygienist must complete training in CODA-accredited program for any expanded function. | |
| Virginia | Dental Assistant I (DA I) | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. For administration or monitoring of anesthesia or sedation, must be certified in basic cardiac life support or be certified as an anesthesia assistant. |
| Dental Assistant II (DA II) | Must hold DANB CDA and complete board-approved expanded functions requirements from a CODA-accredited program. | |
| Washington | Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | Must hold BLS certification and complete seven hours of AIDS education and training. |
| Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) | Must have DANB CDA or be a graduate of CODA-accredited program. Must also complete an approved EFDA course and pass restorative and clinical exams. | |
| Dental Anesthesia Assistant | Must complete the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Exam, California’s Orala and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant’s Course, or approved equivalent training. | |
| West Virginia | Dental Assistant | No specific requirements to work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Expanded Duties | Training and certification is required for nitrous oxide monitoring, coronal polishing, and other expanded duties. | |
| Qualified Monitor | To work as a Qualified Monitor, training is required in recognition and treatment of medical emergencies, monitoring of vital signs, and operation of related equipment. BLS/CPR certificate is required. | |
| Wisconsin | Unlicensed Person | Any dentist who delegate any remediable dental procedure or function to an unlicensed person must first provide training to or verify the competence of the person. |
| Wyoming | Dental Assistant | Dental assistants maybe trained by their employer or an approved program. |
| Dental Assistant Qualified in Placement of Pit and Fissure Sealants | Must complete an approved pit and fissure sealants course or a CODA-accredited dental hygiene or dental assisting program. | |
