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 Minnesota to see if you are still qualified in the state to practice.
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in MN.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Minnesota
1. Dental Assistant
A dental assistant in Minnesota may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The dentist is responsible for ensuring that the assistant:
- Completes and maintains consecutive and current CPR certification, AND
- Complies with the most current infection control guidelines as specified in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
2. Licensed Dental Assistant
To earn status as a Licensed Dental Assistant in Minnesota, dental assistants must:
- Pass the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, AND
- Graduate from an MN CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited program in a state other than MN and, upon MN Board review of curriculum, complete additional coursework, AND
- Pass the MN Dental Assistant State Licensing exam *(formerly known as the MN Registration exam), AND
- Pass the MN Jurisprudence Exam, AND
- Apply for licensure to the MN Board of Dentistry.
Licensed Dental Assistant Licensure Packet
All licensed dental assistants must maintain a consecutive and current certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at the BLS level.
Note: A dental assistant who received and maintained registration in MN prior to Jan. 1, 2010, can continue to practice as a licensed dental assistant without completing any further requirements. The licensed dental assistant must submit the fee for an original license to the MN board at the time of renewal.
To perform restorative procedures limited to placing, contouring, and adjusting amalgam restorations, glass ionomers, and supragingival composite restorations (class I, II, and V) where the margins are entirely within the enamel, and adapting and cementing stainless steel crowns, Licensed Dental Assistant must have completed an MN Board of Dentistry-approved course in these functions and have submitted proof of completion to the MN Board of Dentistry.
Radiography Requirements in MN
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Minnesota, a dental assistant must be a Licensed Dental Assistant or hold a limited-license permit.
To receive a limited-license permit and perform radiography procedures under the general supervision of a dentist, dental assistants must:
- Have completed education equal to or greater than that required of a Minnesota Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA)
- Be currently qualified in Minnesota in an allied health profession, AND
- Successfully complete a Board-approved course in dental radiography equivalent to a course offered in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, AND
- Pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam, AND
- Submit an application to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry and pay the accompanying fee.
Additional Resources:
Photo by Josh Hild
