New Jersey Dental Assistant Requirements

To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of New Jersey, dental assistants must be licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

To register as an RDA, one must:

1. Successfully complete high school or its equivalent, AND

2. Obtain a certificate of completion of the online New Jersey Jurisprudence orientation (within six months prior to application), AND

3. Pass DANB’s national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) (within 10 years prior to application), AND

4a. Graduate from a New Jersey Board-approved CODA-accredited dental assisting program (within 10 years prior to application), or

4b. Obtain at least two years’ work experience as a dental assistant (within five years prior to application), successfully complete a New Jersey Board- approved program in expanded functions, and pass the New Jersey Expanded Duties-General Exam (administered by DANB), or

4c. Obtain at least two years’ work experience as a dental assistant (within five years prior to application) and pass the New Jersey Expanded Duties-General Exam (administered by DANB), AND

5. Apply for licensure as an RDA to the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.