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 Preventive Dental Assistant (EFPDA) Requirements

To perform expanded preventive functions in Oregon under the supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must earn an Oregon Expanded Function Preventive Dental Assistant (EFPDA) certificate. To qualify, one must:

Pathway I:

1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency (see requirements), AND

2. Successfully complete a course of instruction in a program accredited by CODA, AND

3. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway II:

1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency ( see requirements), AND

2. Pass the DANB Infection Control (ICE) exam, AND

3. Pass one of the following exams:

a. DANB Coronal Polishing (CP) exam, OR

b. DANB Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam, OR

c. Oregon Expanded Functions General Dental Assisting exam (administered by DANB), AND

4. Provide endorsement from a dentist licensed in Oregon stating that the applicant has completed clinical requirements, AND

5. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway III:

1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency ( see requirements), AND

2. Pass the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting (ORB) exam (administered by DANB), AND (SEE NOTE BELOW)

3. Pass one of the following exams:

a. DANB Coronal Polishing (CP) exam, OR

b. DANB Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam, OR

c. Oregon Expanded Functions General Dental Assisting exam (administered by DANB), AND

4. Provide endorsement from a dentist licensed in Oregon stating that the applicant has completed clinical requirements, AND

5. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).

Note: The Oregon Board of Dentistry is discontinuing the administration of the Oregon Basic (ORB) exam in 2024. DANB is no longer accepting application for the ORB exam after 1/5/2024, and administration of the ORB exam will be discontinued by 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 IV:

1. Be certified in another state with requirements similar to Oregon’s, OR Obtain verification from a licensed dentist of having been employed (outside the state of Oregon) for at least 1,000 hours in the past two years as a dental assistant performing the permitted expanded preventive functions, AND

2. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA 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.