Dental Assistant Requirements in North Dakota

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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

Levels of Dental Assistants in North Dakota

There are three levels of dental assistants in North Dakota:

  1. Dental Assistant
  2. Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA)
  3. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

1. Dental Assistant

A dental assistant in North Dakota may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Every dental assistant in North Dakota must have a current certificate of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

2. Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA)

To earn status as a QDA in the state of North Dakota, one must:

  • Have passed the national DANB RHS and ICE exams and completed, within two years of application, 16 hours of continuing education, AND
  • Complete 650 hours of dental assistance instruction including on-the-job training, AND
  • Pass a written examination of the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in North Dakota within one year of application, AND
  • Maintain current CPR certification, AND
  • Provide verification of completing an infection control course within two years prior to application (if passing DANB’s ICE exam occurred more than two years prior to application), AND
  • Apply to the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners.

3. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

To earn status as an RDA in North Dakota, one must:

  • Within one year prior to application, have passed DANB’s national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam or have completed a CODA-accredited or North Dakota board-approved dental assisting program, OR
  • Have passed DANB’s national CDA exam or have completed a CODA-accredited or North Dakota board-approved dental assisting program (more than one year prior to application), and have completed 16 hours of continuing education within two years prior to application, AND
  • Pass a written examination of the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in North Dakota within one year of application, AND
  • Maintain current CPR certification, AND
  • Provide verification of completing an infection control course within two years prior to application (if graduation from approved program or passing DANB’s CDA exam occurred more than two years prior to application), AND
  • Apply for registration to the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (NDSBDE)

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) qualified to apply pit and fissure sealants

To apply pit and fissure sealants in the state of North Dakota under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must:

  • Be a Registered Dental Assistant (see requirements above), AND
  • Provide documentation of successfully completing a North Dakota Board-approved sealant class or course.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with Anesthesia Assisting Permits (Class I and II)

To earn a permit to perform specified anesthesia assisting functions under the supervision of a dentist authorized by permit to administer parenteral sedation, a Registered Dental Assistant may earn a Class I or a Class II anesthesia assistant permit. To earn a Class I anesthesia assistant permit, a Registered Dental Assistant must:

  • Complete a board-approved dental anesthesia assistant education and training course, AND
  • Submit proof of current certification status from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons dental anesthesia assistant national certification, or a board-approved competency examination, AND
  • Hold current and valid certification for health care provider basic life support, or advanced cardiac life support or pediatric advanced life support, AND
  • Provide a copy of a valid North Dakota general anesthesia or parenteral permit of the dentist where the registered dental assistant will be performing anesthesia assistant services, AND
  • Apply to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners for a Class I anesthesia assisting permit.

To earn a Class II anesthesia assistant permit, a Registered Dental Assistant must:

  • Complete all requirements for a Class I anesthesia assistant permit AND
  • Complete training in intravenous access or phlebotomy that includes live experience starting and maintaining intravenous lines, AND
  • Apply to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners for a Class II anesthesia assisting permit.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with Restorative Functions Permit

To earn a permit to perform specified restorative functions under the direct supervision of a dentist, a Registered Dental Assistant must:

  • Complete a board-approved curriculum from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or another board-approved course, AND
  •  Pass the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Restorative Examination or other equivalent examinations approved by the board within the last five years

The Board may require completion of the Restorative Function (RF) component of DANB’s Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certification exam.

OR

  • Pass the WREB Restorative Examination or other board-approved examination more than five years from the date of application, AND
  • Complete the RF component of DANB’s CRFDA certification examination, AND
  • Provide evidence from another state or jurisdiction where the applicant legally is or was authorized to perform restorative functions and certification from the supervising dentist of successful completion of at least 25 restorative procedures within the immediate five years prior to the date of application

North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners

Radiography Requirements for Dental Assistants in ND

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in ND, a dental assistant must be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA).

Photo by Maria Orlova

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.