To perform expanded functions in Oklahoma under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must obtain a permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (OBD) for each expanded duty that he or she desires to perform.
Permit applicants must complete expanded duty training in each of the desired functions at a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, or a course approved by the OBD. Available permits are:
Radiation Safety: See "Radiography Requirements" above
Coronal Polishing/Topical Fluoride: A dental assistant must successfully complete an OBD-approved course of study, including a clinical component, consisting of a minimum of 14 hours.
Sealants: A dental assistant must successfully earn the coronal polishing/topical fluoride permit and complete an OBD-approved course of study, consisting of a minimum of 12 hours.
Assisting in the Administration of Nitrous Oxide: A dental assistant must successfully complete an OBD-approved course of study, consisting of a minimum of 12 hours.
Assisting a dentist who holds a parenteral or pediatric anesthesia permit: The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry will be developing rules to establish requirements for this permit. (Note: Only a dentist may administer anesthesia and assess the patient's level of sedation.)
A dental assistant who holds an out-of-state dental assistant permit with expanded duties may apply for credentialing and reciprocity for a dental assistant permit including any expanded duty by demonstrating that he or she has:
1. Held a valid dental assistant permit in another state for a minimum of two years and is in good standing, AND
2. Held a valid expanded duty in another state for a minimum of one year, AND
3. Completed an educational class for the expanded duty and that the dental assistant been providing this treatment to dental patients while working as a dental assistant in a dental office for a minimum of one year.
Any person having served in the military as a dental assistant shall receive credentialing and reciprocity for expanded functions by providing:
1. Proof of military service in excess of two years with any certifications or training in the expanded function areas, AND
2. Verification from the commanding officer of the medical program or the appropriate supervisor stating that the dental assistant provided the expanded functions on patients in the military dental facility for a minimum of one year within the past five years.
CODA-Accredited Dental Assisting Programs