New Mexico 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.

New Mexico Requirements

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Requirements

To earn New Mexico certification as an expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA), one must:

1a. Complete an accepted EFDA course in a program approved by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care or accredited by CODA OR

1b. Complete a minimum of five years, 1000 hours per year, continuous employment as a dental assistant or dental hygienist, AND

complete a course of study in subject areas prescribed by the board, including a post-test approved by the board, AND

obtain a recommendation for EFDA certification from a supervising dentist, AND

2. Earn state certification in radiography, rubber cup coronal polishing and application of topical fluoride and pit and fissure sealant expanded functions*, AND

3. Pass a clinical exam accepted by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care for EFDA certification, AND

4. Complete the New Mexico jurisprudence exam with a score of at least 75%, AND

5. Apply for an apprenticeship permit from the NM Board of Dental Health Care, AND

6. Complete an apprenticeship within 180 days, AND

7. Return permit and a signed affidavit to New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care, which will then issue EFDA certificate

Note: Holders of state certification in dental assisting expanded functions and EFDAs must have formal training in infection control from a course approved in accordance with New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care rules and regulations.

*Note: A new rule effective 3/13/18 specifies that all current EFDA permit holders must earn the four state certificates in expanded functions no later than 7/1/19. EFDA permits will suspend automatically if the expanded functions certifications are not current, and once they are earned, the EFDA permit will become valid until its regular expiration date.