Iowa Dental Assistant Requirements
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants. This page includes links to all the information you need to understand the requirements for dental assistants in this state. View the different dental assisting levels, along with the requirements for each. You can also view the allowable duties at each level.
Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements
Iowa Registered Dental Assistant
Level 1 and Level 2 Expanded Function Providers
Requirements for Level 1 and Level 2 Expanded Function Providers
To perform expanded functions, a registered dental must meet the education and training requirements set forth below.
To qualify for expanded function training, a dental assistant must be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR hold current DANB certification, OR have a minimum of one year of clinical practice as a registered dental assistant, OR have a minimum of three months of clinical practice as a dental assistant in a state that does not require registration.
Level 1 Provider
To qualify as a Level 1 provider, a Registered Dental Assistant must complete a Board-approved training program in all Level 1 expanded functions and receive a certificate of completion in each function. To qualify for expanded function training, a dental assistant must:
1. Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
OR
2. Hold current DANB certification
OR
3. Have a minimum of three months of clinical practice as a registered dental assistant
OR
4. Have a minimum of three months of clinical practice as a dental assistant in a state that does not require registration.
Level 2 Provider
To qualify as a Level 2 Provider, a Registered Dental Assistant must:
1. Complete a minimum of one year of clinical practice as a Level 1 provider
AND
2. Pass an entrance examination administered by the Level 2 training program
AND
3. Complete a Board-approved training program in all Level 2 expanded function procedures offered through the University of Iowa College of Dentistry or a program accredited by CODA and receive a certificate of completion.
Before beginning Level 2 training, dental assistants must complete all prerequisites established by the accredited school for the Level 2 training to be completed.
