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 Vermont 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 VT.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Vermont
There are three levels of dental assistants in VT:
- Traditional Dental Assistant
- DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with State Certification
- Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDAs)
1. Traditional Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants in Vermont can earn status as a Traditional Dental Assistant by becoming employed as a Traditional Dental Assistant in a dental office and registering with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners within 30 days of being hired. All dental assistants shall complete emergency office procedures training within six months of their date of hire.
2. DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with State Certification
Dental assistants who hold the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification can also earn Vermont state certification. To qualify, one must:
- Hold a current national DANB CDA certification, AND
- Be employed by a Vermont-licensed dentist, AND
- Apply to the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners for registration.
3. Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDAs)
To perform expanded functions in VT under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must earn status as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant. To qualify, one must:
- Hold a current national DANB CDA certification, AND
- Be employed by a Vermont-licensed dentist, OR
- Be a licensed dental hygienist, AND
- Successfully complete a formal program in each of the desired expanded functions at a CODA-accredited program of dental assisting, AND
- Apply to the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners for registration.
- To learn more, visit the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners
- Information gathered from DaleFoundation.org
Vermont Radiography Requirements
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in the state of VT, a dental assistant must be an Expanded Function Dental Assistant or a DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) (see requirements below).
Traditional Dental Assistants can earn a special endorsement to perform dental radiographic procedures by completing the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age, AND
- Successfully complete a CODA-accredited radiography course within 10 years of application for endorsement, AND
- Work for at least six months as a dental assistant, OR
- Hold a radiography endorsement equivalent to that required in VT.
AND ALL MUST THEN
- Apply to the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners for endorsement.
Photo by Hner Zibari
