California Dental Assistant New Requirements: What You Need to Know for 2025

As the dental field evolves, so do the regulations governing becoming a dental assistant. In California, significant changes are coming for dental assistants starting January 1, 2025, thanks to the Dental Board of California’s Sunset Bill, SB 1453 (Ashby, Chapter 483, Statutes of 2024). These updates aim to enhance safety, education, and professional standards. Whether you’re a current dental assistant, aspiring to join the field, or managing a dental practice, understanding these changes is crucial.

What is a Dental Assistant?

A dental assistant is a vital member of the dental team, responsible for supporting dentists and ensuring patient care runs smoothly. Their duties range from preparing examination rooms to assisting during dental procedures and educating patients on oral hygiene.

Types of Dental Assistants in California

California recognizes multiple types of dental assistants, each with specific roles and requirements:

1. Unlicensed Dental Assistants (DAs)
   • Perform basic supportive dental procedures under direct supervision.
   • No formal licensure is required, but specific training such as infection control and CPR is mandatory.
2. Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs)
   • Perform expanded functions, including placing temporary restorations and taking impressions.
   • Require completion of a Dental Board-approved program, clinical experience, and successful passage of state-administered exams.
3. Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions (RDAEFs)
   • Authorized to perform more advanced tasks, such as placing final restorations and applying orthodontic bands.
   • Must complete additional certifications and training beyond the RDA level.

Duties of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants support dentists in clinical and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities may include:

• Preparing patients and treatment rooms.
• Sterilizing and organizing dental instruments.
• Assisting during procedures, such as fillings or extractions.
• Taking and developing X-rays.
• Educating patients on post-procedure care.
• Maintaining patient records.

The scope of duties depends on the type of dental assistant and their certifications. Here is a link where you can find a table of permitted duties.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in California

In California, there are distinct pathways to becoming a Dental Assistant (DA), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), or Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF). Here’s a step-by-step guide for each role:

1. Dental Assistant (DA)

A Dental Assistant supports dentists with basic tasks and patient care. Becoming a DA does not require formal licensure but does require specific training and certifications.

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant

1. Education
   • Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
   • While formal training in a dental assisting program is not mandatory, completing a Board-approved course is highly recommended to build foundational skills.
2. Training
   • Complete an 8-hour Board-approved infection control course.
   • Obtain a current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
3. On-the-Job Training
   • Many DAs learn practical skills through on-the-job training provided by their employers.
4. Optional Certification
   • Pursue certifications (e.g., X-ray safety) to expand duties and enhance job opportunities.

2. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Registered Dental Assistants perform more advanced tasks than unlicensed DAs, such as taking impressions and applying temporary restorations. RDAs must meet specific educational, training, and examination requirements.

Steps to Become a Registered Dental Assistant

1. Education
   • Complete a high school diploma or equivalent.
   • Enroll in a Dental Board of California-approved dental assisting program or accumulate at least 15 months of on-the-job training as a dental assistant under a licensed dentist’s supervision.
2. Training
   • Complete an 8-hour infection control course approved by the Board.
   • Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
   • Complete a Radiation Safety course to perform X-rays.
3. Examinations
   • Pass the California RDA Written Examination and Practical Examination administered by the Dental Board.
4. Licensure
   • Apply for licensure with the Dental Board of California and submit proof of education, training, and examination completion.
5. Continuing Education
   • Maintain RDA licensure by completing continuing education courses as required by the Dental Board.

3. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)

RDAEFs perform specialized procedures, such as placing final restorations and orthodontic adjustments. This role requires advanced training and certification beyond the RDA level.

Steps to Become a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions

1. Prerequisite
   • Hold an active RDA license.
   • Possess at least two years of experience as an RDA or complete an RDAEF training program approved by the Dental Board.
2. Education
   • Enroll in an RDAEF program offered by a Board-approved institution. These programs include comprehensive training in advanced dental procedures.
3. Training
   • Complete all mandatory courses, including updated infection control and radiation safety training.
   • Maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
4. Examinations
   • Pass the RDAEF Examination, which includes both written and clinical components.
5. Licensure
   • Apply for the RDAEF license with the Dental Board and provide proof of advanced training and examination completion.
6. Continuing Education
   • Fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your RDAEF license and stay updated on advancements in the field.

Each pathway offers unique opportunities to contribute to the dental profession in California. Whether you’re starting as a Dental Assistant or advancing to an RDAEF, adhering to these steps ensures compliance with state regulations while preparing you for a fulfilling career in dentistry.

Updates to California Dental Assistant Requirements Under SB 1453 (Effective January 1, 2025)

The Dental Board of California has implemented several changes to improve the training and oversight of dental assistants. Below is a breakdown of the key updates:

Stricter Infection Control Course Requirements

• All dental assistants must complete a Board-approved 8-hour infection control course before performing any basic supportive procedures involving potential exposure to blood, saliva, or other infectious materials.

Revised Certificates of Completion

Certificates issued by dental assisting programs must now include:

• Participant’s name.
• Course/program name and provider.
• Board-issued approval number.
• Date(s) of completion.
• Number of hours completed.
• Signature of course provider or designee.

Certificates not meeting these requirements will be invalid.

Changes to Radiation Safety Courses

• Use of analog film is no longer required.
• Updated course curriculum and laboratory/clinical experience requirements.
• Completion of infection control and BLS certification is mandatory before students perform procedures on patients.

Coronal Polishing Course Prerequisites

• Students must now show proof of completing the infection control course and possess current BLS certification.

Orthodontic Assistant Course Enrollment

• Students no longer need work experience to enroll.
• Eliminates the previous requirement of 6–12 months of dental assisting work experience for enrollment and permit application.

Penalties for Falsely Claiming Board Approval

• Programs falsely claiming Board approval can now be cited and fined.

Major Changes to Dental Assisting Programs

Programs making significant changes to content, facilities, or faculty must notify the Board within 10 days.

How These Changes Impact Dental Practices and Aspiring Dental Assistants

1. For Dental Practices
   Practices must ensure their assistants meet the updated requirements, especially regarding infection control and radiation safety. Regular compliance checks are essential.
2. For Aspiring Dental Assistants
   The removal of work experience requirements opens doors for those new to the field. However, stricter infection control and documentation standards mean thorough preparation is more critical than ever.
3. For Program Providers
   Programs must update curricula, certificates, and administrative processes to align with new regulations or risk penalties.

The updated requirements for dental assistants in California reflect a commitment to patient safety and professional excellence. By adhering to these changes, dental assistants and practices can ensure compliance while continuing to deliver high-quality care. If you’re navigating these new regulations or looking to pursue a career in dental assisting, staying informed and proactive is key to success.