In the state of California, dental professions are monitored and regulated by the Dental Board of California, a division of the state's Department of Consumer Affairs. While dental assistants in California are not required to be licensed (though this is an option discussed below), they are required to be “registered,” and the registration process is in fact very similar to a licensing process. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps necessary to become a Registered Dental Assistant in California.

Obtaining a Registration

First, let's take a brief look at what function a dental assistant performs, as per California law. Dental assistants work under the supervision of a fully licensed dentist and may perform so-called “basic supportive dental procedures.” This has a definition in the law; it is any procedure that is “technically elementary,” is reversible, and is unlikely to cause potentially hazardous conditions for the patient. The best way to imagine what types of functions this definition covers is to think back to your last dental visit – what did you have done before or after you saw the dentist?

Now that we have that covered, let's look at how to become a registered dental assistant. The primary component is an educational one, and the onus falls on your supervising dentist to ensure that you have completed all the requirements either prior to or while in his or her employ.

You'll actually have a bit of time to complete the requirements. Any dental assistant who has been in continuous employment as such for 120 days, has exactly one year from the beginning of that employment to successfully finish their dental assistant education. That education entails:

• A Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act, California's law regulating the profession.

• A Board-approved 8-hour course in infection control.

• A course in basic life support offered by an instructor approved by the American red Cross of American Heart Association.

To be approved to perform a few more specific tasks, additional coursework is required. Specifically, any dental assistant who wishes to assist in X-rays or apply sealants must take some extra classes. The state of California has provided a guide to each and every state-approved course referenced above at this link.

Obtaining a License

If you're serious about pursing your dental assistant career, you may wish to become fully licensed, and not merely registered, as a dental assistant. While this process is a bit longer, more expensive, and has increased responsibilities, it makes you far more employable, as the responsibility is on you and not on your supervising dentist or employer to process licensing. As a licensed DA, you will also be able to perform certain procedures RDAs are not, such as coronal polishing.

Essentially, you will have to complete the same educational requirements that an RDA would, but in addition, you will also have to pass a series of three exams, one practical, and two written. One of the written exams focuses on dental practice, and the other tests ethics and law in dentistry. You can find out more about how to register and study for these exams at this link. You will also have to submit to a fingerprinting.

Maintaining a Registration or License

RDAs need not worry about registration so long as they remain in continuous employment as a dental assistant. Again, it is incumbent on your employer or supervising dentist to ensure that you have successfully completed the educational requirements in the allotted time frame.

However, licensed dental assistants do need to renew their licenses on their birthday every two years. Your first expiration period, then, will be your first birthday after obtaining your license. Once you renew that initial time, you've got two years before you need to worry about it again. You can renew online here.

Complaints against dental assistants, both registered and licensed, are handled by the Dental Board directly, and are typically triggered by a complaint from a member of the public – take a look at the complaint form here. If the complaint against a licensed DA is substantiated after an investigation, the Board may revoke or suspend your license. Registered DAs risk both firing and revocation of their educational credentials if they commit misconduct.