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Registered Dental Assistant Overview

Education and Training Requirements

RDA pathways | Endorsements | Permits | DANB 

Registered Dental Assistant

1. The applicant successfully completed a dental assisting program, accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American dental association or approved by the board, within one year of application.
2. The applicant was certified byearned the dental assisting national boardboard’s certified dental assistant designation:
   a. Within one year of application; or
   b. More than one year prior to application, and within two years before application, earned sixteen hours of continuing education in accordance with section 20-03-01-06, and provides evidence the applicant was gainfully and relevantly employed in the time prior to application. Proof of gainful and relevant employment may include letters of recommendation, payroll documentation, or other materials requested by the board.
3. The applicant successfully completed a dental assisting program, accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American dental association or approved by the board, and completed, within two years before application, sixteen hours of continuing education in accordance with section 20-03-01-06.
4. The applicant is licensed in good standing under the laws of another jurisdiction and possesses qualifications, education, or experience substantially similar to the requirements for licensure set forth in this section. Applicants shall submit evidence of at least one year of gainful and relevant employment in the practice prior to application. Proof of gainful and relevant employment may include letters of recommendation, payroll documentation, or other materials requested by the board. Applicants shall submit evidence of earning sixteen hours of continuing education in accordance with section 20-03-01-06 and meet other criteria as may be required by the board.

Additional Requirements for RDA

• Pass the written examination on the laws and rules (Jurisprudence Exam) governing the practice of dentistry in North Dakota within one year of application.
• Hold an active cardiopulmonary resuscitation or basic life saving course--with the program having been completed within two years of application. The course can be online for the instruction portion but must be hands-on for the simulation. 
• Grounds for denial of the application under North Dakota Century Code section 43-20-05 do not exist.

Remember: A Registered Dental Assistant applicant must submit the application and fee to the Board before taking the Jurisprudence Exam. The Board must have your information before you can login to take the exam. Two continuing education credits will be awarded for successfully completing the exam.

Once an individual is registered by the Board as an RDA, a dentist may delegate them the duties set forth in NDAC 20-03-01-01(4)

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT - APPLICATION

Pit and Fissure Sealant - Endorsement

An RDA who successfully completes a CODA approved program or provides evidence of Board approved training on placing pit and fissure sealants may be authorized by endorsement to carry out that duty. Once approved, the endorsement will appear on on your registration card, contact the Board. See NDAC 20-03-01-01(6)(l).

Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Inhalation Administration - Permit 

An RDA who successfully completes a Board-approved program to administer nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia may complete the permit application, including payment of the application fee. Once approved, the permit will appear on your registration card.  See NDAC 20-02-01-05(1)(f).

Board-approved courses for Administration of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Therapy: 

• Courses provided by CODA accredited institutions.
• Essentials of Nitrous Oxide for Dentistry offered by “Sedation Consult”
• Midwest Study Club’s Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation Analgesia Administration course

Administration of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Analgesia

DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Individuals who earn the DANB's "Certfied Dental Assistant" or "CDA" must first register with the Board before carrying out any duties beyond those of an Unregistered Dental Assistant. In order to earn the CDA, an individual must meet all requirements put in place by the DANB, including passage of their Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, Infection Control (ICE) exam, and the General Chairside (GC) exam. See the DANB link for further information.