Ohio 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.

Ohio Requirements

Radiography Requirements

A dental assistant must be state certified as a Dental X-Ray Machine Operator. To obtain this certification, one must:

1a. Be a Certified Assistant (see requirements below), or

1b. Complete an Ohio Board-approved training course in dental radiography, including a clinical section (Note: The DALE Foundation's DANB RHS Review Course meets this requirement. See instructions below.*),

or 

1c. Hold a license, certificate, or other credential issued by another state that the Ohio State Dental Board deems equivalent to Ohio’s standards for Dental X-ray Machine Operator certification, AND

2. Apply to the Ohio State Dental Board for certification as a Dental X-Ray Machine Operator. 

A Dental X-Ray Machine Operator may perform radiologic procedures when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the radiologic procedures are performed if the supervising dentist examined the patient not more than one year prior to the date the Dental X-Ray Machine Operator performs the radiologic procedures and the supervising dentist has ordered the radiologic procedures.

*Instructions for completing option 1b using the DALE Foundation's DANB RHS Review Course:

A. Purchase and complete the DALE Foundation's online DANB RHS Review course. The Ohio State Dental Board requires a minimum of 75% on the post-course assessment.

B. Within 60 days of successfully completing the DANB RHS Review course, submit the completed Affidavit of Ohio Clinical Radiography Training form and a $40 processing fee to the DALE Foundation. Forms may be submitted via email, mail or fax as noted at the bottom of the form. The DALE Foundation accepts credit card, check or money order.

C. Approximately 3-4 weeks after submitting the completed form and payment, the DALE Foundation will send an email notification to the candidate informing him or her that the Ohio Clinical Radiography Training form has been processed and the Ohio State Dental Board has been notified that the education and clinical components of Ohio's dental radiography requirements have been met.

D. Contact the Ohio State Dental Board to complete the Ohio dental assistant radiographer certificate application process. It is the candidate's responsibility to read and comply with the current laws and guidelines provided by the Ohio State Dental Board. Candidates should retain a copy of the DALE Foundation email from step 1c. and submit it to the Ohio State Dental Board along with the application. Click here to apply online.