To perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in South Dakota, a dental assistant must be registered as a Registered Dental Assistant. To qualify, one must:
1. Be at least 18 years of age AND
2. Hold a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer or board-approved equivalent CPR certification AND
3a. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or
3b. Hold current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, or
3c. Complete a dental assisting education approved program approved by the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry (SDSBD) resulting in a registered dental assistant certificate of competency, OR
3d. Hold or have held registration to perform expanded functions in another state, AND
4. Apply to the SDSBD for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant.
Applicants who have completed a CODA accredited dental assisting program or obtained a certificate of competency must apply within five years of completion of the program or, if the program was completed more than five years prior to application, must have legally provided expanded functions within five years preceding application. Written documentation verifying the current clinical proficiency of the applicant to perform expanded functions may be required from a dentist who has employed or supervised the applicant within the five years prior to application.