There are several pathways available to become registered as an RDA (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. You will need to have your official transcript sent from your college and submit a copy of your diploma.
(2) The applicant was certified by the Dental Assisting National Board within one year of application.:
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. You will need to have your official transcript sent from your college and submit a copy of your diploma.
(4) The applicant was certified by the Dental Assisting National Board, and completed, within two years before application, sixteen hours of continuing education in accordance with section 20-03-01-06 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 must 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 must 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.
(5) The applicant successfully completed the examination administered by the Joint Commission On National Dental Examinations or the Dental Hygiene Certification Board of Canada and completed within two years of application sixteen hours of continuing education in accordance with section 20-03-01-06.
All RDA applicants must also meet the following criteria:
Successfully complete the online version of the Ethics and Jurisprudence examination within one year of application. Prior to taking the online Jurisprudence Examination, the applicant MUST submit the application and fee. The Board must have your identifying information before you can login.
Provide verification of CPR taken within 24 months of application. Online CPR courses are not accepted.
Grounds for denial of the application under the North Dakota Century Code section 43-20-05 do not exist.
APPLICATION STATUS: You may check your application status and take the online Jurisprudence exam on the application status page. This will list what documents the Board has received and what documents are missing before your license/registration will be issued. The Board office updates the status as documents are received in the Board office. The Jurisprudence exam is required for all applicants. You MUST submit your application and fee to the Board before you can take the Jurisprudence Exam! We must have your information before you can login. You do not need a login password or license number to login.
Pit and Fissure Sealant Endorsement
An RDA who successfully completes an approved hands-on course of instruction for the placement of pit and fissure sealants may be authorized by the Board to carry out that duty. No application is required for this endorsement. Submit your completion certificate to the Board by mail or email.
Approved courses include:
Other courses may be approved.
Administration of Nitrous Oxide
Dental staff may not administer nitrous oxide before being issued a permit to do so by the Board. The Board may issue or renew a permit authorizing an RDA to ADMINISTER dental anesthesia assistance under the supervision of a dentist who is authorized by a permit from the NDSBDE to utilize sedation or anesthesia.
Board approved courses including:
Other courses may be approved.
Permit Application to ADMINISTER Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Analgesia
Dental Anesthesia Assistant and Restorative Duties - Permit Authorization Required
The Board may issue a restorative care permit or a dental anesthesia assistant permit authorizing an RDA to carry out these duties under the direct supervision of a dentist. The detailed requirements for being issued these permits and the duties that may be carried out under them are found at: Administrative Rule 20-03-01-05 .
Please note that the restorative care and anesthesia assistant permits must be renewed by December 31 of even numbered years at the same time the registration is renewed. If they are not renewed the permit expires. Two hours of CE related to each expanded duty is required for the permit renewal.
Application for Dental Anesthesia Assistant permit
Application for Restorative Care permit
DANB Certification and Expanded Duties
The NDSBDE recognizes the DANB as the dental assistant certifying body. Individuals who receive a “certified dental assistant” certification from the DANB must apply to the Board and be registered as an assistant in North Dakota before carrying out duties other than those that may be performed by Unregistered Dental Assistants. Information about the DANB’s certification may be found here: https://www.danb.org/.
Once registered as an RDA in North Dakota, a DANB-trained assistant may apply for endorsements and expanded duty permits as set forth above.
