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How to Become a Registered Dental Assistant

Alert: Unlicensed dental assistants are not allowed to perform the following duties in California:

  • Pit and Fissure Sealants
  • Ultrasonic Scaling

A license or permit is required to perform these duties. Please review the Table of Permitted Duties for Dental Assistants, Orthodontic Assistants, Dental Sedation Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs), and Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions (RDAEFs).

All licensees are responsible for understanding and following the laws and regulations that govern their practice. Violations can result in license denial or discipline, as well as criminal prosecution. For more information, please visit the Required and Prohibited Conduct page of our website.

Requirements to Obtain an RDA License

  • Submit a completed Application for Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure as described in the Application section below.
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee of $120.
  • Provide documentation of completing one of the pathways to licensure listed in the Pathway section below.
  • Provide documentation of completing all courses listed in the Required Courses section below. You may also submit evidence of completing additional course in Ultrasonic Scaling.
  • Provide evidence of completing a Basic Life Support course as described below.
  • Submit fingerprints by Live Scan or hard card for the purpose of a background check, as described in the Background Check section below.
  • Pass the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination described in the Written Examination section below.

Application

Applications for Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure are submitted online through BreEZe at https://www.breeze.ca.gov. If you are a new BreEZe user, you will first need to register for a free account. When applying through your BreEZe account, select the application named Application for Registered Dental Assistant Examination Request and upload your pathway document and all required course certificates. You will then need to complete the payment process to submit the application. Applications without payment are not considered submitted.

The Department of Consumer Affairs offers a “How To” help tutorial video for the BreEZe system. The video can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Help Tutorials.

For an optimal experience when accessing your BreEZe account, use a standard computer or laptop. All options may not be available when using a hand-held device such as a smartphone or iPad.

You may also mail in your Application for Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure form. Enclose your pathway document, a copy of all required course certificates, and a check or money order of $120.00 payable to the Dental Board of California. Mail the application and documents to: Dental Board of California, 2005 Evergreen St., Ste. 1550, Sacramento CA 95815.

Pathways

Submit documentation that you have completed one of the following pathways to licensure:

Board–Approved Education: Evidence that you have completed a board–approved registered dental assisting educational program, which includes completion of the following courses: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support. Those applying through this pathway can find board-approved Registered Dental Assisting educational programs posted under Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

The required pathway document is: A copy of the certificate of completion issued to you by the board–approved program.

Work Experience: Evidence of satisfactory work experience performing the duties of a dental assistant, as defined in Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 1750.1, which includes at least 15 months and a minimum of 1,280 hours of work experience.

The required pathway document is: A completed Work Experience Certification Form (RDA1 Form)

In addition to the above, applicants must complete the following board-approved courses: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support.

Board–approved course providers for Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Infection Control can be found at Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

Dental Assisting Education (Nonboard-Approved) with Work Experience: Evidence of satisfactory completion of a dental assisting education program with work experience. The Dental Assisting education program and work experience must total at least 15 months and 1280 hours. The Dental Assisting education program must be approved by the Department of Education or in a secondary institution, regional occupational center, or regional occupational program. Credit for the Dental Assisting education program shall equal the total weeks spent in classroom training and internship on a week-for-week basis.

The required pathway documents are: A completed Work Experience Certification Form (RDA1 Form) and Dental Assisting Education (Nonboard-Approved) Certification Form (RDA4 Form)

In addition to the above, applicants must complete the following board-approved courses: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support.

Board–approved providers for courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Infection Control can be found at Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

Certified Dental Assistant: Evidence of successful completion of the general chairside assisting, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control examinations administered by the Dental Assisting National Board with an active certification satisfactory to the terms and conditions of the Dental Assisting National Board.

The required pathway document is: A copy of the current, valid certification as a certified dental assistant, as issued by the Dental Assisting National Board.

The required courses are board-approved: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support.

Board–approved providers for courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Infection Control can be found at Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

Alternative Dental Assisting Program: Evidence of completion of an Alternative Dental Assisting Program as defined in subdivision (a) of BPC section 1741 that includes at least 500 hours of didactic and laboratory coursework in dental assisting-related topics specified in BPC section 1750.1 and at least 300 hours of clinical chairside work experience, involving the allowable duties described in BPC section 1750.1, directly supervised, evaluated, and documented by a supervising licensed dentist.

The required pathway document is: A completed Alternative Education in Dental Assisting Form (RDA2 Form)

In addition to the above, applicants must complete the following board-approved courses: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support.

Board–approved providers for courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Infection Control can be found at Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

Preceptorship in Dental Assisting: Evidence of completion of a preceptorship in dental assisting that includes at least 500 hours of clinical chairside work experience documented on a form furnished by the board, involving allowable duties described in BPC section 1750.1, directly supervised, evaluated, and documented by a preceptor and at least 300 hours documented on a form furnished by the board of coursework in dental assisting-related topics, inclusive of the education required in BPC sections 1750 and 1750.2, which may be obtained concurrent to the work experience.

The required pathway document is: A completed Preceptorship in Dental Assisting Certification Form (RDA3 Form)

In addition to the above, applicants must complete the following board-approved courses: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, and Basic Life Support.

Board–approved providers for courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Infection Control can be found at Approved Educational Programs and Courses.

Registered Dental Hygienist: Evidence of current and active licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice, or Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions with licensure issued on or after January 1, 2006, by the California Dental Hygiene Board. Applicants for this pathway are required to successfully complete the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination.

The required pathway document is: A license certification showing proof of a current and active license as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice, or Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions, that was issued on or after January 1, 2006, by the California Dental Hygiene Board.

In addition to the above, applicants must submit proof of a current certification in Basic Life Support.

Required Board-Approved Courses

Submit a copy of course completion for each of the required courses listed below.

  • Course in Radiation Safety of at least 32 hours (completed within 10 years before the date of receipt of the application by the board).

  • Course in Coronal Polishing of at least 12 hours (completed within 5 years before the date of receipt of the application by the board).

  • Course in Pit and Fissure Sealants of at least 16 hours (completed within 5 years before the date of receipt of the application by the board).

  • California Dental Practice Act, a 2-hour course (completed within 2 years before the date of receipt of the application by the board).

    To verify that a Registered Provider is approved to teach the California Dental Practice Act, consult the list of approved providers using the following link: California Dental Practice Act. Registered Providers must renew every two years, and the lists are updated monthly. It is important to verify that the information is current because the status of a provider can change. The link provided include the Name, Permit Status, Expiration Date, and Address of Record of each Registered Provider. To verify that a Registered Provider's license is current and valid, use the online DCA BreEZe License Search tool. The Registered CE Provider must have a Current – Active permit at the time the course was taken and completed.

  • Infection Control, an 8-hour course (completed within 2 years before the date of receipt of the application by the board).

  • Current certification in a Basic Life Support course through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute, the American Dental Association's Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CERP) program, or the Academy of General Dentistry's Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE).

Background Check

Once your application has been processed, you will be provided with the Live Scan Request Form. Applicants must obtain a fingerprint clearance from both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You will complete a Request for Live Scan Service form and take it to a Live Scan service location. The Live Scan service location will require you to pay a fee. Your fingerprints will be taken electronically, without ink, and transmitted to the DOJ. Finally, the DOJ will send their report to the Dental Board. Usually, the report is received within seven days. There is a low rate of rejections with this method. For more information on fingerprinting, visit the Fingerprinting Information page of our website.

Application Processing Time

Standard processing time is up to 30 days, and notification will be mailed to the address indicated on the Application. The notification will inform the applicant of their status. Applications submitted without all required documentation are considered deficient.

Written Examination

Each applicant for RDA licensure must pass the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination.

Once the Board approves your completed Application for Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure, you will be authorized to take the written examination. The Board will send an approval notice to your address of record which will include instructions to schedule your examination. The written examination is administered by our testing vendor Psychological Services Incorporated (PSI). PSI will mail the Candidate Information Bulletin to your address of record. It is important that Exam Candidates review the Candidate Information Bulletin thoroughly for important information about acceptable clothing attire, cancellation policy, and other guidance. The Candidate Information Bulletin contains the Examination Outline on pages 7 to 17, and lists reference materials on pages 18 and 19. The CIB is available on PSI's website at PSIEXAMS.COM.

To locate the CIB once you are logged onto the home page PSIEXAMS.COM, click on I'm a Test Taker, then enter RDA into the search field, select CA Dental Board of California, then click on the Available Tests tab, RDA General and Law and Ethics Written Exam, and you will find the Candidate Bulletin that is located near the link to Sign In/Register.

If you fail the exam, or miss your scheduled test date, you can contact PSI to reschedule the exam in 7-10 business days. Additional submission for eligibility, or submission of a re-exam application is not required.

Testing Accommodations for Licensure Candidates with Disabilities

Applicants who have a disability and need a testing accommodation to take a licensure examination can use the testing accommodation request form and information. Applicants can contact the Dental Assisting Program by sending a message to the Board or by phone at (916) 263–2300 with any questions.

Issuance of the RDA License

After you have submitted a complete application, passed the Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination, obtained fingerprint clearances, and qualified for licensure, we will issue you a pocket identification card and wall certificate. There is no license fee required for the initial license other than the initial application and examination fees. For more information, call (916) 263–2300 or send a message to the Board.

Cancellation (Abandonment) of Applications

If your application is cancelled (abandoned), you must reapply for RDA licensure as a new applicant. You will need to submit a new completed application, submit qualification documentation, and pay the appropriate fee.

California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 1004. Abandonment of Applications.

  1. An application shall be deemed to have been abandoned in any of the following circumstances:
    1. The applicant fails to submit the application, examination, or reexamination fee within 180 days after notification by the Board that such fee is due and unpaid.
    2. The applicant fails to take the licensing examination within two years after the date his or her application was received by the Board.
    3. Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subdivision, the applicant, after failing the examination, fails to take a reexamination within two years after the date the applicant was notified of such failure. [...]
  2. An application submitted subsequent to the abandonment of a former application shall be treated as a new application.
  3. For any other application deficiencies not listed in subdivision (a), an applicant for a license who fails to complete application requirements within one year after being notified by the Board of deficiencies in his or her application, shall be deemed to have abandoned the application and shall be required to file a new application and meet all of the requirements which are in effect at the time of reapplication.

Important Links

Forms For RDA Applicants