Rhode Island 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.
Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements
DANB-Certified Dental Assistant Requirements
To perform expanded functions in Rhode Island under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must be a DANB-Certified assistant, holding one of the following DANB national certifications: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA), Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistants (CPFDA), Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistants (CRFDA), Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (COMSA) or Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator (CDPMA).
In Rhode Island, DANB-Certified assistants may perform the expanded functions listed in the state dental practice act provided they have graduated from a dental assisting education program that incorporated academic training in these procedures or completed academic clinical training to clinical competence.
Note: Individuals who have passed a DANB certification exam but have not renewed are no longer DANB-Certified assistants.
