Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Requirements

Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements

Radiography

Dental Assistant Trained on the Job

Formally Trained Dental Assistant

Certified Assistant

Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Requirements for Dental Assistant Trained on the Job

To qualify as a Dental Assistant Trained on the Job (OJT), one must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older, of good moral character, and not licensed as a dentist or dental hygienist, AND

2. Complete a course in CDC guidelines, AND    

3. Hold current certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) from the American Heart Association, AND

4. Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry for registration, AND

5. Take and pass the Massachusetts Board’s ethics and jurisprudence exam.

A person who is at least 18 years of age or older, who has not been previously licensed or registered as a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant and who is not in violation of any rule or regulation adopted by the board may practice as a dental assistant under the supervision of a Massachusetts licensed dentist without being registered by the Board for a preliminary, one-time period of up to six consecutive months to commence from the beginning of the initial period of on-the-job training. Prior to commencement of unlicensed on-the-job training, the prospective dental assistant must complete a course in CDC Guidelines and must notify the Board of his or her intent to commence such training on a form prescribed by the Board and submit the following documentation to the Board:

  • A complete, accurate, signed, and notarized notice of intent
  • Attestation that the person named in the notice of intent has never practiced or been licensed as a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant
  • Certification by the supervising dentist that such dentist is licensed to practice dentistry, is responsible for supervising the person named in the notice of intent, has verified that the person has completed education in CDC Guidelines, and is not in violation of any rule or regulation adopted by the Board
  • Date when the six-month non-licensed on-the-job training period will start