California Dental Assistant Requirements

Each state has different requirements for dental assistants. This page includes links to all the information you need to understand the requirements for dental assistants in this state. View the different dental assisting levels, along with the requirements for each. You can also view the allowable duties at each level.

California Requirements

Orthodontic Assistant Permit Holder Requirements

To hold an Orthodontic Assistant permit in California, one must:

I. Be an RDA, RDAEF, or complete at least 12 months of work experience as a dental assistant 

AND 

II. Successfully complete a 2-hour Board-approved course in the California Dental Practice Act and an 8-hour course in infection control 

AND 

III. Successfully complete an ASHI, AHA or ARC-approved course in Basic Life Support or a course taught by a provider approved by the ADA’s Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) or the AGD’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) 

AND 

IV. Successfully complete a California Board-approved orthodontic assistant course (may begin after six months of work experience as a dental assistant) 

AND 

V. Apply to the Dental Board of California for an Orthodontic Assistant examination and permit  

AND 

VI. Pass the California Orthodontic Assistant Written Exam and obtain background clearance by the board