Arkansas Registered Dental Assistant Requirements

Registered Dental Assistant Requirements

A Registered Dental Assistant in Arkansas is an individual who holds a permit from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) to perform one or more of the allowed expanded functions, which include coronal polishing, operating dental radiographic equipment (see above), inducing and monitoring nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, and monitoring patients under deep sedation or general anesthesia in offices where the dentist is permitted to provide those services.

To be issued a permit for any of the expanded functions (except Sedation Monitoring, which has additional requirements), one must:

1a. Hold a current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, OR
1b.Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
1c. Complete an ASBDE-approved course in the desired expanded function(s), OR
1d. Receive on-the-job training from an Arkansas licensed dentist,

AND

2. Hold current Healthcare Provider-level CPR certification, AND
3. Provide proof of competency in the desired expanded function(s) and apply for registration to the ASBDE, AND
4. Successfully complete the Arkansas jurisprudence exam.

Sedation monitoring: To obtain a permit for sedation monitoring, an individual must:

1. Hold a current permit for nitrous oxide administration, AND
   
2. Hold current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification, AND
   
3. Hold current DANB CDA certification (or be a Registered Dental Assistant, a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse), AND
   
4. Successfully complete the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Anesthesia Assistant’s training program or a Board-approved equivalent course within the two years immediately preceding application, AND
   
5. Apply to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, AND
   
6. Successfully complete the Arkansas jurisprudence exam.

Note: To renew a permit to perform expanded functions, Registered Dental Assistants must provide the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners proof of completing two hours of continuing education in infection control every two years.