Unlicensed
Dental Assistants and Their Requirements
Q.
What are the course requirements for dental assistants?
A. Dental assistants can only expose
dental radiographs after successful completion of
a board-approved radiation safety course. As of
January 2010, dental assistants are required to
complete the following courses after 120 days of
employment to within a year of the date of hire:
• Course in basic life support (must be American
Red Cross or American Heart Association)
• Board approved course in infection control,
must be at least 8 hours long
• Board approved course in the California
Dental Practice Act (2hours)
Q.
As a dental assistant, is it necessary to maintain
my basic life support certification?
A. Yes, all members of the dental
team, including dental assistants must have a basic
life support certification by either the American
Red Cross or American Heart Association
Q.
As a dental assistant, is it necessary to renew
my radiation safety certification to take dental
x-rays?
A. No, once the course has been
completed there is no need to renew certification.
Q.
What should I do if my dentist wants to keep my
x-ray certificate for his files?
A. Never give away the original
certificate, it is very important. Instead make
your employer a copy of the certificate.
Q.
As of January, 2010 what are the requirements for
becoming an RDA?
A. Applicants can become RDA's
through on the job training or having graduated
from a RDA approved dental assisting program. Applicants
wanting to qualify, via the work experience pathway
must have 15 months of work experience rather than
12 months. All applicants must have completed a
board-approved course in the California Dental Practice
Act (2hrs), an 8-hour board-approved course in infection
control, a course in basic life support within five
years prior to application, a board approved course
in the application of pit and fissure sealants,
coronal polish and a certificate in radiation safety
(x-ray license). Individuals applying after January
1, 2010 must pass both a separate written examination
in Law and Ethics and the RDA written examination,
as well as passing a practical examination
Q.
How do I apply for the RDA exam?
A. To apply for the RDA exam, you
must file an application with the Dental Board.
To file download the application from the Dental
Board website www.dbc.ca.gov and fax the completed
application to (916)274-2140 or mail it to 2005
Evergreen Street Suite 1550, Sacramento CA 95815(the
Board prefers it be mailed). If you have any questions
you can contact the Dental Board by calling (916)263-2595.
Q.
When is the RDA written exam?
A. The written exam is computerized
and scheduled by appointment at designated test
sites, through PSI. You can download an application
for the written by going to: www.dbc.ca.gov, clicking
on applicants then proceed to the section entitled
Written examination and downloading an application
from PSI. You can also call PSI at: (877) 392-6422.
For additional help, go to: the Dental Board's website
www.dbc.ca.gov
Q.
When is the RDA practical exam?
A. The practical exam is scheduled
periodically throughout the year. To get the exam
dates, testing locations and filing schedule go
online to the Dental Boards website www.dbc.ca.gov
be sure to follow the directions for filing as each
testing session, has a specific filing period.
Q.
When will I be given my exam dates for taking the
written RDA exam?
A. After filing your application,
for the RDA practical examination with the Dental
Board, and after being accepted for the exam you
will receive a letter confirming your acceptance.
This letter will contain detailed information regarding
both the practical examination and will also include
a packet from PSI with information on the written
exam. The written can be scheduled at any time after
your application has been approved and you have
been given a case number. The Dental Board only
assigns a practical exam date and time. PSI will
schedule a written examination date and time at
a location near you.