Kentucky 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.

Kentucky Requirements

Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements


Registered Dental Assistant

Registered Dental Assistant Requirements

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) simply refers to an assistant who has been registered by their employer dentist and is not a recognition of any special training or achievement. The responsibility to register assistants and document CPR training belongs to the employer dentist. To be recognized as a registered dental assistant in Kentucky, a dental assistant must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that meets or exceeds the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA). In addition, the dental assistant’s employer dentist must do the following:

  • Register the dental assistant on his or her Application for Renewal of Dental Licensure
  • Maintain a personnel file for the registered dental assistant containing the following:
    • A copy of proof of having current CPR certification
    • A copy of the certificates of completion of the Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Radiation Techniques Course, and Starting IV Access Lines courses, if the dental assistant has completed these courses
    • The licensee’s statement attesting to the competency of the dental assistant in the procedures delegated the assistant from the Delegated Duties List

    To perform coronal polishing procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in Kentucky, a registered dental assistant must: 

    I. Successfully complete an eight-hour course at a CODA-accredited institution AND 

    II. Obtain a certificate of completion from the authorized institution, which the employer dentist shall retain in the employee’s personnel file

    To perform starting intravenous (IV) access lines under the direct supervision of a dentist holding a sedation or anesthesia permit, a registered dental assistant must: 

    I. Successfully complete a board-approved course in starting IV lines AND 

    II. Submit documentation of course completion to the supervising dentist, who shall retain such documentation in the employee’s personnel file 

    To perform radiography procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in Kentucky, a registered dental assistant must complete the requirements listed under State Radiography Requirements (see “Radiography”) 

    Note: If the operating dentist authorizes a third-party qualified anesthesia provider to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia, the operating dentist shall confirm that at least two (2) members of the onsite care team, including RDAs, maintain current certifications in:
    1. BLS for Healthcare Providers; and
    2. ACLS if sedation is administered to an adult patient; or
    3. PALS if sedation is administered to a pediatric patient.