Oregon 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.

Oregon Requirements

Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA) Requirements

To perform expanded orthodontic functions in Oregon under the supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must earn status as an Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA). To qualify, one must successfully complete all of the following requirements in ONE of the following four pathways:

Pathway I:

1. Complete a course of instruction in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, AND

2. Apply for Oregon EFODA certification (administered by DANB).

Pathway II:

2. Pass the Oregon Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (ORXO) exam (administered by DANB), AND

3. Provide endorsement from an Oregon licensed dentist stating that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical requirements, AND

4. Apply for the Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway IIIA:

1. Pass the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting (ORB) exam, AND (SEE NOTE BELOW)

2. Pass the Oregon Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (ORXO) exam (administered by DANB), AND

3. Provide endorsement from an Oregon licensed dentist stating that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical requirements, AND

4. Apply for the Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Note: The Oregon Board of Dentistry discontinued the administration of the Oregon Basic (ORB) exam in 2024. Since 1/5/2024, DANB no longer accepts applications for the ORB exam, and administration of the ORB exam ceased as of 6/1/2024. To meet the Pathway III eligibility requirements for the EFDA, EFODA, and EFPDA certificates, candidates are instead required to pass DANB’s Infection Control (ICE) exam. Candidates who passed the ORB prior to its discontinuation are still able to use their ORB result to qualify for an Oregon expanded function certificate.

Pathway IIIB:

2. Pass the Oregon Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (ORXO) exam (administered by DANB), AND

3. Provide endorsement from an Oregon licensed dentist stating that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical requirements, AND

4. Apply for the Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway IV:

1. Be certified in another state that has training and certification requirements substantially similar to Oregon’s requirements or obtain verification from a  licensed dentist of having been employed (in a state other than Oregon) for at least 1,000 hours in the past two years as a dental assistant performing expanded orthodontic functions, AND

2. Apply for the  Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Note: The Oregon state dental practice act specifies that, in addition to the exams, courses and programs listed on this page, a dental assistant may complete any successor or otherwise Board-approved exams, courses or programs. For more information, please contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry at www.oregon.gov/dentistry.

View all Oregon exams and certificates.