Dental Assistant Requirements in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

Levels of Dental Assistants in Rhode Island

There are three levels of dental assistants in Rhode Island:

  1. Dental Assistant
  2. DANB Certified Assistant
  3. DAANCE Certified Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant

1. Dental Assistant

A dental assistant in Rhode Island may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

  • All dental assistants practicing in a dental setting shall hold a current certificate of completion. Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider that includes a hands-on skill component and conforms to the current American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) offered by any accredited agency approved by the Board.
  • Every dental assistant in Rhode Island must receive a minimum of one (1) hour per year of training in the CDC Infection Control Guidelines.

2. DANB Certified Assistant

To perform expanded functions in Rhode Island under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must be a DANB-Certified assistant, holding one of the following DANB national certifications:

In RI, DANB-Certified assistants may perform the expanded functions listed in the state dental practice act provided they have graduated from a dental assisting education program that incorporated academic training in these procedures or completed academic clinical training to clinical competence.

Note: Individuals who have passed a DANB certification exam but have not renewed are no longer DANB-Certified assistants.

3. DAANCE Certified Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant

To perform specified maxillofacial surgery assisting functions, an assistant must be licensed by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry as a DAANCE Certified Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant. To qualify for licensure*, one must:

  • Be of good moral character; AND
  • Be eighteen (18) years of age or over; AND
  • Successfully complete an approved program for Dental Anesthesia Assistants National Certification Examination (DAANCE) accredited by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or its designated agency; AND
  • Be certified as a dental anesthesia assistant by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or its designated agency; AND
  • Hold a current certificate of completion of an approved course in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); AND
  • Be in good standing in each state in which he/she holds a license; AND
  • Apply to the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry for licensure

Rhode Island Board of Dental Examiners

Radiography Requirements for Dental Assistants in Rhode Island

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiologic procedures in RI, a dental assistant must complete a course in dental radiography from an educational institution with a CODA-accredited program.

Photo by Veronica

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.