Certification Requirements for Dental Assistants
Further your career opportunities by becoming a registered dental assistant in extended functions.
Overview
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Location
online
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Course Length
6 - 11 Months
If you are looking to enter the dental profession and earn a substantial income through a challenging and fulfilling position, a career as a dental assistant may be the perfect choice for you. Dental assistants are essential aides to dentists and hygienists, performing specialized tasks to help in the completion of dental treatment. They assist during dental procedures, take and process X-rays, maintain the dental office, and more.
Here, our healthcare education professionals at Howard HealthCare Academy provide an overview of dental assistant education requirements—both for prospective students and those enrolled in dental assistant programs. Read on to learn more and enroll in our award-winning Dental Assistant Program today!
Course Requirements
- Graduate from a board-approved RDA educational program; or
- Complete at least 15 months (1,280 hours) of satisfactory work experience as a dental assistant with a dentist licensed in the United States; or
- Complete a California Department of Education-approved four-month educational program and 11 months of work experience with a dentist(s) licensed in the United States.
- Complete board-approved courses in coronal polishing and radiation safety.
- Complete and show proof of completion of a board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act completed within five (5) years of application.
- Complete and show proof of completion of an eight (8)-hour board-approved course in infection control completed within five (5) years of application.
- Complete and show proof of completion of a basic life support course offered by an instructor approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
- Submit fingerprint clearances from both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). This process can take 60 days or more. If a candidate has a criminal history, the arrest report and court records must be obtained and investigated before a decision is made to issue or deny the license.
Dental Assistant Education Requirements
Dental assistants receive their formal education through accredited academic programs at community colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools, universities or dental schools. Though there are typically no formal dental assistant education requirements, students will benefit from a firm understanding of applicable subjects such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics, and speech.
Programs will cover the main requirements needed a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), including radiation health and safety, infection control, and general chairside assisting.
The majority of dental assisting programs take nine to eleven months to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated training, part-time education programs, or online training. Upon graduation, students receive certificates that qualify them to take their CDA or RDA examinations.
CDA Requirements
Though many dental assistants choose to obtain licenses as Registered Dental Assistants, many others choose to work as Certified Dental Assistants. CDA requirements are typically less rigorous than RDA requirements. Upon completion of a dental assistant program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, graduates are eligible to take the CDA examination. Unlicensed dental assistants who have been trained on the job or have graduated from non-accredited programs are eligible to take the CDA examination after completing two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant. Many states also recognize passage of certain components of the CDA examination (such as the Radiation Health and Safety examination or the Infection Control examination) for CDA licensing.
Learn More and Become a Dental Assistant at Howard HealthCare Academy
Howard HealthCare Academy’s Dental Assistant Program is structured to satisfy the California dental assistant requirements. Through our partnership with The Super Dentists, San Diego’s premier pediatric dental practice, our program emphasizes hands-on learning in real dental office environments to supplement in-class education.
Ready to fulfill your dental assistant education requirements through hands-on learning here at Howard HealthCare Academy? Contact us to speak with a member of our admissions team directly, and get started on the enrollment process to join our Dental Assistant Program today!
Why Howard Healthcare Academy?
Howard Healthcare Academy offers a learning experience that’s a cut above other RDA programs in California. Hopeful dental assistants choose Howard Academy year after year because of our:
- Flexible Schedule — Our flexible course schedules ensure you won’t have to revamp your work and personal schedule to participate in our class.
- Hands-On Training — Gain the hands-on skills and know-how needed to become an effective dental assistant.
- Exceptional Instructors — Our faculty members are also dental professionals who devote the time and resources for you to have an outstanding learning experience.
Howard Healthcare Academy is your best option for earning additional dental assistance certifications. We offer a wide range of standalone programs to complete your dental professional profile.
Start your registered dental assistant in extended functions certification at Howard Healthcare Academy today!
Financial Services
Howard Healthcare Academy offers several financial assistance programs to help you kickstart your career as a certified dental assistant. See if you qualify for one of our scholarships and apply today!
Dental Assistant Scholarship
MyCAA Scholarship
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