South Dakota 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.

South Dakota Requirements

Registered Dental Assistant Requirements

To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in South Dakota, a dental assistant must be registered as a Registered Dental Assistant. To qualify, one must:

I. Be at least 18 years of age

AND

II. Hold a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer or board-approved equivalent CPR certification

AND

III. a. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR

b. Hold current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, OR

c. Complete a dental assisting education approved program approved by the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry (SDSBD) resulting in a registered dental assistant certificate of competency

AND

IV. If applicant holds or has held registration to perform expanded functions in other states, submit a certified letter verifying registration number and status from the board of dentistry in each state where the applicant has been registered

AND

V. Apply to the SDSBD for registration as a Registered Dental Assistant, pay a fee, and submit required proof of meeting the above requirements

Applicants who have completed a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or obtained a certificate of competency must apply within five years of completion of the program or, if the program was completed more than five years prior to application, must have legally provided expanded functions within five years preceding application. Written documentation verifying the current clinical proficiency of the applicant to perform expanded functions may be required from a dentist who has employed or supervised the applicant within the five years prior to application.