Dental Assisting: Career information
Career overview
Scope of practice
Students are trained to practice at the highest level within the scope of practice for dental assistants in Oregon. For detailed information on the scope of practice in Oregon, please visit: Oregon Board of Dentistry – Dental Assistants.
Certification and licensure
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams, certificates and endorsements
Throughout the CODA-accredited program, students will complete the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations. By successfully passing these exams, graduates will be prepared for employment in various settings, including general chairside dental practices, the armed services, public health services, research, and professional education.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is a national testing agency that confers certification to individuals who successfully complete its exams. The certification process consists of three components:
Oregon Radiologic Proficiency Examination and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
Dental assistants in Oregon are required to obtain an Oregon Radiologic Proficiency Certificate in order to expose dental radiographs or digital images on dental patients. Graduates of the program are able to earn this certificate upon successfully completing both the written and practical exams.
Additionally, in Oregon, students must pass both the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam and the Oregon Radiologic Proficiency Exam to qualify for the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant Certificate (EFDA)
Dental assistants in Oregon must obtain an Oregon Expanded Function (EFDA) certificate to perform duties as defined in the Oregon Dental Practice Act, Division 42. Graduates are eligible to apply for this certificate after successfully completing the program and passing the Oregon Radiologic Proficiency Exam.
Expanded Functions Orthodontic Dental Assistant Certificate (EFODA)
Dental assistants in Oregon must obtain an Oregon Expanded Function Orthodontic (EFODA) certificate to perform duties as defined in the Oregon Dental Practice Act, Division 42. Graduates are eligible to apply for this certificate after successfully completing the program.
Sealant Certificate
Dental assistants in Oregon must complete a course in “Sealants” in order to place sealants on patients as defined in the Oregon Dental Practice Act, Division 42. Graduates are eligible to obtain this certificate after successfully completing the program and obtaining the EFDA certificate.
Cord Packing Certificate
Dental assistants in Oregon must complete a course in “Cord Packing” in order to provide this expanded duty on patients as defined in the Oregon Dental Practice Act, Division 42. Graduates are eligible to obtain this certificate after successfully completing the program and obtaining the EFDA certificate.
Soft Reline Certificate
Dental assistants in Oregon must complete a course in “Soft Reline” in order to provide this expanded duty on patients as defined in the Oregon Dental Practice Act, Division 42. Graduates are eligible to obtain this certificate after successfully completing the program and obtaining the EFDA certificate.
Professional associations
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Division 42 of Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD)
- Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD)
- Oregon Dental Assistants Association (ODAA)
- Oregon Dental Association (ODA)
- Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP)
Professional association for students
American Dental Assistants Association
All students will be required to purchase a student membership in the American Dental Assistants Association as part of the professional training. Some of the benefits of the membership include:
- Official journals
- Involvement in state and local associations
- Connections with the national association
- Connections with the American Dental Association
- Insurance
- Scholarships