Massachusetts 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.
Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements
Dental Assistant Trained on the Job
Formally Trained Dental Assistant
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Expanded Function Dental Assistant Requirements
To qualify as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), one must:
1. Be 18 years of age or older and of good moral character, AND
2. Hold any current national DANB certification (CDA, COA, CPFDA or CRFDA) or certification from another Board-approved certifying body at the time of registration, AND
3. Complete a formal program in the Massachusetts delegable expanded functions at a CODA-accredited program, AND
4. Hold current certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) from the American Heart Association, AND
5. Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry for registration, AND
6. Take and pass the Massachusetts Board’s ethics and jurisprudence exam.
Note: As of spring 2022, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry has temporarily stopped issuing EFDA licenses; the Board has formed a workgroup to revisit the requirements for licensure as an EFDA.
