Oklahoma Dental Assistant Requirements

To perform expanded functions in Oklahoma under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant or oral maxillofacial surgery assistant must obtain a permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (OBD) for each expanded duty that he or she desires to perform.

Permit applicants must complete expanded duty training in each of the desired functions at a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, or a course approved by the OBD. Available permits are:

• Radiation Safety: See “Radiography Requirements”
• Coronal: An applicant must successfully complete a Board-approved course in this function, including two hours of didactic education and six hours of a clinical training, including demonstration, in coronal polishing and the application of topical fluoride and desensitizing agents.
• Sealants: An applicant must complete a Board-approved course of study in this function, consisting of a minimum of 6 hours to include 1 hour of didactic training and 5 clinical hours of training.
• Monitoring and assisting in the administration of nitrous oxide: An applicant must successfully complete a Board-approved course of study in this function, consisting of a minimum of 12 hours. Applicants must have a current BLS certification prior to beginning this course.
• Assisting a dentist who holds a parenteral or pediatric anesthesia permit: An applicant must meet the same requirements as those for an oral maxillofacial surgery assistant.
• Vaccinations, venipuncture, and phlebotomy: An applicant must complete a Board-approved phlebotomy certification program or course, which must include a minimum of four hours of safe-needle and bloodborne pathogens procedures under the guidelines of the CDC. 
• Elder care and public health: An applicant must have a minimum of two (2) years of active dental assisting practice.

A dental assistant who holds an out-of-state dental assistant permit with expanded duties may apply for credentialing and reciprocity for a dental assistant permit including any expanded duty by demonstrating that he or she has:

1. Held a valid dental assistant permit in another state for a minimum of two years and is in good standing, AND

2. Held a valid expanded duty in another state for a minimum of one year, AND

3. Completed an educational class for the expanded duty and that the dental assistant been providing this treatment to dental patients while working as a dental assistant in a dental office for a minimum of one year.

Any person having served in the military as a dental assistant shall receive credentialing and reciprocity for expanded functions by providing:

1. Proof of military service in excess of two years with any certifications or training in the expanded function areas, AND

2. Verification from the commanding officer of the medical program or the appropriate supervisor stating that the dental assistant provided the expanded functions on patients in the military dental facility for a minimum of one year within the past five years.