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 Louisiana 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 LA.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Louisiana
1. Dental Assistant
A dental assistant in the state of Louisiana may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
2. Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of Louisiana, a dental assistant must earn status as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA). To qualify, one must:
- Complete an expanded duty dental assisting program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry (LSBD), OR
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, providing documentation that training was provided in all functions which EDDAs are allowed to perform (If a dental assistant’s training is deemed inadequate, the assistant must undergo remediation in a Louisiana board-approved program), AND
- Complete an LSBD-approved radiography course (see “Radiography Requirements” above), AND
- Hold current approved BLS certification, AND
- Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for confirmation of EDDA certification.
The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry only recognizes the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certificate earned through the EDDA course taught at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Dentistry, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), and Southern University at Shreveport.
Note: A dental assistant who has been employed by a licensed, practicing dentist and has worked as a dental assistant prior to July 30, 1992, may continue performing the following expanded duties (under the direct, on-premises supervision of the dentist) without registering as an EDDA:
- Place and remove retraction cords;
- Apply cavity liners, excluding capping of exposed pulpal tissue;
- Place and remove periodontal dressings;
- Place, wedge, or remove matrices for restoration by the dentist.
Radiography Requirements in LA
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Louisiana, a dental assistant must complete a course in x-ray function and safety approved by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry within six (6) months after employment by a licensed dentist and shall perform dental x-ray functions solely under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist who is on the premises of the dental office at the time.
Additional Resources:
Photo by Beau Runnels
