By: Natalie Kaweckyj, LDA, RF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPFDA, CRFDA, MADAA, BA
Are you looking to become a dental assistant or are moving as a current dental assistant? Make sure to check the dental assistant requirements in Washington, D.C. to see if you are still qualified to practice.
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in Washington D.C.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Washington D.C.
1. Level I Dental Assistant
To be registered as a Level I Dental Assistant in the District of Columbia, one must:
- Have graduated from high school or hold a general equivalency diploma, AND
- Complete a course in dental radiography training that the D.C. Board of Dentistry deems satisfactory (see “Radiography Requirements” above), AND
- Apply to the D.C. Board of Dentistry for registration
2. Level II Dental Assistant
To be registered as a Level II Dental Assistant in the District of Columbia, one must:
- Have graduated from high school or hold a general equivalency diploma, AND
- Successfully complete a dental assisting education program approved by the D.C. Board of Dentistry or accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
OR
- Hold current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, AND
- Complete a course in dental radiography training that the D.C. Board of Dentistry deems satisfactory (see above), AND
- Apply for a registration as a Level II Dental Assistant to the D.C. Board of Dentistry
An applicant who has been performing the duties of an assistant on July 15, 2011 may be granted registration if he or she fulfills the following requirements:
- Demonstrate competency to perform the duties of a dental assistant to the satisfaction of the supervising dentist, AND
- Apply for registration as a dental assistant to the D.C. Board of Dentistry no later than 9/17/12. Licensing page
Radiography Requirements For Dental Assistants in Washington D.C.
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in the District of Columbia, a dental assistant must:
- Pass DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, OR
- Successfully complete a dental radiography training program approved by the D.C. Board of Dentistry, AND
- Register as a dental assistant with the D.C. Board of Dentistry (see additional requirements below)
OR
- Complete in-office training and demonstrate competency to perform the task to the supervising dentist’s satisfaction, AND
- Register as a dental assistant with the D.C. Board of Dentistry no later than 9/17/12 (see additional requirements below) DC Municipal Regulations for DAs
Photo by Aaron Kittredge
