Dental Assistant Requirements in Kentucky

November 22, 2024
Subscribe for Free

By: Ronda Holman

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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

Levels of Dental Assistants in Kentucky

  1. Dental Auxiliary
  2. Registered Dental Assistant

1. Dental Auxiliary

A dental auxiliary in the state of Kentucky 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. Registered Dental Assistant

To be recognized as a registered dental assistant in Kentucky, a dental assistant must have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that meets or exceeds the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA).

In addition, the dental assistant’s employer dentist must do the following:

  • Register the dental assistant on his or her Application for Renewal of Dental Licensure
  • maintain a personnel file for the registered dental assistant containing the following:
    • a copy of proof of having current CPR certification
    • a copy of the certificates of completion of the Coronal Polishing, Radiation Safety, Radiation Techniques Course, and Starting IV Access Lines courses, if the dental assistant has completed these courses
    • the licensee’s statement attesting to the competency of the dental assistant in the procedures delegated to the assistant from the Delegated Duties List.

Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in Coronal Polishing

To perform coronal polishing procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of Kentucky, a registered dental assistant must:

  • Successfully complete an eight-hour course at a CODA-accredited institution, AND
  • Obtain a certificate of completion from the authorized institution, which the employer dentist shall retain in the employee’s personnel file

Registered Dental Assistant Qualified in IV Placement

To perform starting intravenous (IV) access lines under the direct supervision of a dentist holding a sedation or anesthesia permit, a registered dental assistant must:

  • Successfully complete a board-approved course in starting IV lines, AND
  • Submit documentation of course completion to the supervising dentist, who shall retain such documentation in the employee’s personnel file.

Kentucky Board of Dentistry

Radiography Requirements in Kentucky

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Kentucky, a dental assistant must:

  • Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, OR
  • Successfully complete a CODA-approved course in radiation safety and technique, OR
  • Complete a six-hour Kentucky Board-approved course in dental radiography safety* AND complete one of the following:
    • A minimum of four hours of instruction in dental radiography technique while under the employment and supervision of the dentist in the office, OR
    • A four-hour course in radiography technique was approved by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.

*Note: The DALE Foundation’s DANB RHS Review course meets the six-hour radiography safety course requirement.

Information gathered from DaleFoundation.org

Photo by Brandon Randolph

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman found her passion for dental assisting while in the Air Force. She assisted in oral surgery, general dentistry, and ended her four-year service as a prophy tech, the military’s version of a dental hygienist. She married and spent 13 years traveling the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Each time Ronda relocated she got the opportunity to work in a new dental office, where she picked up pearls that have helped her become an expert in educating dental assistants. Her interests are immediate denture/partial fabrication, CEREC technology, patient education, and striving for optimal chairside skills. Ronda believes that every dental assistant has the potential to be a rock star assistant if given the right tools and guidance.

Recent Posts

Sign-Up