Dental Assisting Information by State

Dental assisting requirements vary from state to state, which can make it difficult to know what the requirements, scope of practice, and procedures are for dental assistants.  As the largest, oldest professional association for dental assistants in America, ADAA has created a comprehensive list of useful links to help you navigate these often complicated regulations.

Using the links below, you will have instant access to state requirements, state websites, state regulations, state registration information, and state scopes of practice directly from the source of that information.

If you find any links that do not work, have suggestions, or have any questions please feel free to contact info@adaausa.org.

The American Dental Assistants Association website may contain links to other websites (“Linked Sites”). The Linked Sites are not under the control of the American Dental Assistants Association and the American Dental Assistants Association is not responsible for the contents of any Linked Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Linked Site, or any changes or updates to a Linked Site. The American Dental Assistants Association is not responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission received from any Linked Site. The American Dental Assistants Association is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by the American Dental Assistants Association of the site or any association with its operators.

The information, software, products, and services included in or available through the American Dental Assistants Association website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically added to the information herein. The American Dental Assistants Association and/or its suppliers may make improvements and/or changes to the American Dental Assistants Association website at any time. Advice received via the American Dental Assistants Association website should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your situation

Alabama
“Sweet Home Alabama” 
Alabama Board of Dental Examiners Website
Visit ADAA State and Local Organization Links

REGULATIONS
Permit Application and Order Forms

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice and Grounds for Disciplinary Action
Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama Administrative Code

STATUTES
Revised Statutes

REGULATIONS
Colorado Code of Regulations 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
License Information

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Renewal Information

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Radiology Education and Training for Dental Assistants
Colorado State Radiography Requirements
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘Rule X.’
Tasks Authorized To Be Performed by Dental Assistants
Press Ctrl+F to search for ’12-35-128.’

Connecticut
“The Constitution State” 
Connecticut Dental Commission Website
Visit ADAA State and Local Organization Links

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
List of Regulation
Requirement for Dental Assistants to be able to take X-rays
Administration and Use of Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation in Dentistry

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Applications

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Login to the Connecticut State Dental Association for renewal applications

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice and rules for Dental Assistants

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Dental Assistants and X-Rays
Dental Assistants and the DANB Infection Control Examination

Delaware
“The First State” 
Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene Website
Visit ADAA State and Local Organization Links

STATUTES
State Statutes

REGULATIONS
Regulations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Office of Radiation Control Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Delaware Dental Radiologic Technology (DDRT) Exam

STATUTES & REGULATIONS
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 448 – Dentistry
How a dental assistant can be employed

REGULATIONS
Hawaii Administrative Rules

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dental Assisting Program FAQs

REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL
No registration or licensure is required

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Dental Assistant Duties and Training
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘Subchapter 7’

STATUTES & REGULATIONS
Board of Dentistry Coverage on Dental Assistants
Laws and Administrative Rules – Idaho State Board of Dentistry

REGISTRATION PROCESS
No licensure or registration is required for the basic level of Dental Assisting
Information for Dental Assistants

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Dental Assistant Practice
Rule 35 – Dental Assistant Practice

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Certification or Registration in Expanded Functions – Request for Review of Credentials Form

STATUTES
225 ILCS 25 Illinois Dental Practice Act
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘Dental Assistant’

REGULATIONS
Section 1220.245

REGISTRATION PROCESS
There are no requirements for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Illinois

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Not Applicable

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice
note: see description in Section 1220.245(b)
Expanded Functions
note: see descriptions and requirements in 1220.245(c)

STATUTES
Kansas Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Administrative Regulations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION
There are no registration or licensure requirements for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Kansas

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Duties for Dental Assistants

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Expanded Functions

Kentucky
“The Bluegrass State” 

Kentucky Dental Board website

Visit Kentucky State Chapter website

Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Statues

Maryland
“The Old Line State” 
Maryland Board of Dental Examiners Website
Visit ADAA State and Local Organization Links

STATUTES
Dental Assistants – Recognition as qualified orthodontics

REGULATIONS
Regulations
Dental Radiation Technologist
Definitions

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice
Intraoral Procedures Permitted
Dental Auxillaries Permissible Procedures Chart

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Institutions and Organizations Providing Board Approved Dental Assisting Course Instruction
Application for Certification as a Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics
Dental Assistants Recognized as Qualified in Orthodontics and as Qualified in General Duties
Application for Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties
Forms and Applications
Board Approved Dental Assisting Courses
Fee Schedule

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Regulations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Assisting Students FAQ

REGISTRATION
No registration or licensure is required for the basic level of Dental Assisting

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Renewal Information for Radiology Permit Holders

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope FAQ

EXPANDED FUNCTION
Radiology
Application for Mississippi Radiology Permit
Board Approved Radiology Seminars
Licensee Search

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act
Board of Dentistry Statues

REGULATIONS
Administrative Rules

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
There is no registration or licensure required for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Montana

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Functions for Dental Auxiliaries
Supervision for Dental Auxiliaries

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Certification Required to Expose Radiographs

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Rules and Regulations Governing The Performance of Duties by Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants

REGISTRATION
No registration or licensure is required for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Nebraska

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘003’

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Summary of Expanded Duties
Chart of Changes Made to Legislative Bill 18

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Regulations
Dental Assistants are located in ‘PART Den 302’

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION
Dental Assisting Professional Certificate

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Dental Assistant Duties – Taking Vital Signs
Non-practice
Assistants’ Duties
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘PART Den 401’

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries Program
Certified Dental Assistants and Graduate Dental Assistant’s Duties
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘Den 401.02’

North Carolina
“The Tar Heel State”
North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners Website
Visit ADAA State and Local Organization Links

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act
Dental Peer Review Protection Act

REGULATIONS
Explanation of Dental Assistant I
Explanation of Dental Assistant II
Direct Control and Supervision Required

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Education and Training Requirements for Dental Assistant I & II (Expanded Functions)

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Not Applicable

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Permitted Functions of Dental Assistants I

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Permitted Functions of Dental Assistants II
Approved Radiology Courses

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act
Statute Relating to Patient Access to Medical Records

REGULATIONS
Rules and Regulations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
NEW Dental Assistant Permit Application
Should ONLY be used if you have never registered as a Dental Assistant before

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Application for Dental Assistant Permit Renewal – 2017
Permits expire on Dec. 31 of each year. Only use this form if your permit has been expired for LESS than 1 year. If it has been expired longer than 1 year, contact the Board Office to request the application.
Application for OMS Dental Assistant Permit Renewal – 2017

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Duties for Dental Assistants

EXPANDED DUTIES
Expanded Duty Permits That May Be Obtained
Dental Assistant out of State Expanded Function Request Instructions

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act
Rules Changed in 2016

REGULATIONS
Rules regarding Dental Assisting

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask The Board A Question
Where To Mail Forms

REGISTRATION PROCESS
There are no education or training requirements for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Oregon

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Descriptions and Duties of Dental Assistants

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Certification by Credential
Dental Assistants who have been certified in other states to perform expanded functions or to take x-rays, and have at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the past two years performing these functions may qualify for certification by credential. The certification process is performed by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). 
Anesthesia Permits
Dental Assistant Certificate of Standing Request
Use to verify Oregon State licensure if applying to work as a Dental Assistant in a different state
DANB Issued Credential Verification

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Dental Laws of PA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
License and Certification Requirements for Dental Staff
No education or examination requirements for the basic level of Dental Assisting. However, Radiological Certification is necessary
Radiologic Procedures for Auxiliary Personnel
Fee Schedule for Applications and Renewals

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Bureau of Radiation Protection Continuing Education Requirements
Dental Assistants are considered under ‘Low-Risk Procedures’, and are required to obtain 4 CE hours every 4 years
Mandated Reporter Training
Pennsylvania 2014 Act 153 regarding Domestic Relations
PA Act 153 Clearance
Civil Penalty for practicing as an EFDA with a lapsed certificate

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice for Expanded Function Dental Assistants

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Credit Hour Requirements for Renewal

STATUTES
General Laws – Dentists, Dental Hygienists & Dental Assistants

REGULATIONS
Rules and Regulations

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Dental Assistant Career Pathway
Dental Assistants Excepted from Licensure

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Not Applicable, no licensure is required for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Rhode Island
Continuing Education Requirements (Including BLS and Infection Control)
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘2.7.6’

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice
Delegation of Duties and Non-Delegable (Exclusionary) Procedures/Duties
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘Section 13’ for Delegation of Duties, and search for ‘Section 14’ for non-delegable (exclusionary) procedures/duties
Delegable and Non-Delegable Procedures/Duties
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘2.10.2’ for Delegable Procedures/Duties, and search for ‘2.10.3’ for Non-Delegable Procedures/Duties

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination
DAANCE-Certified Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant Licensing Requirements
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘2.8.1’
Continuing Education for DAANCE-Certified maxillofacial surgery assistants
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘2.8.4’

REGULATIONS
Laws and Policy for Dentistry  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION PROCESS
No registration or licensure required

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Not Applicable

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Applications/Forms

STATUTES
Tennessee Code
Dental Practice Act
Dental Statues

REGULATIONS
Rules and Regulations pertaining to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Application Instructions for Registration as a Dental Assistant
Application for Registration as a Dental Assistant
License Renewal
License Verification
Online Jurisprudence Examination

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Professional License Renewal and Information Update Service
Continuing Education Requirements
All registered dental assistants are all required to fulfill 24 hours of continuing education during the two calendar year cycle (January 1 of an odd year – December 31 of an even year) and keep a current C.P.R. card at all times. A minimum of 2 of the required 24 biennial hours must be obtained in the area of chemical dependency education.

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
ADA Accredited Dental Assistant Programs
Board Approved Dental Assistant Programs
Coronal Polishing Courses for Dental Assistants
Sealant Application Courses for Dental Assistants
Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Courses for Dental Assistants
Restorative Function Courses for Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants
Prosthetic Function Courses for Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants
Dental Radiology Courses for Dental Assistants
Certification Application for Registered Dental Assistants
Sealant Certification Application for Registered Dental Assistants
Certification of Sealant Placement During Externship
Jurisprudence Exam
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Administration Of Local Anesthesia
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Dental Radiology
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Administration and Monitoring Nitrous Oxide
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Coronal Polishing
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Monitoring Nitrous Oxide
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Prosthetic Functions
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Restorative Functions
Application for Board Approval of a Certification Course in Sealant Application

STATUTES
Dental Practice Act

REGULATIONS
Rules and Regulations

REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL PROCESS
There are no registration or licensure requirements for the basic level of Dental Assisting in the State of Utah

SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘R156-69-603’

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS
Radiology Course for Unlicensed Individuals as Dental Assistants
Press Ctrl+F to search for ‘R-156-69-604’

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