Oregon 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.

Oregon Requirements

Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA) Requirements

To perform expanded orthodontic functions in Oregon under the supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must earn status as an Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant (EFODA). To qualify, one must successfully complete all of the following requirements in ONE of the following four pathways:

Pathway I:

1. Complete a course of instruction in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, AND

2. Apply for Oregon EFODA certification (administered by DANB).

Pathway II:

1. Have already earned the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certification, or passed the Infection Control (ICE) exam AND

2. Pass the Oregon Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (ORXO) exam (administered by DANB), AND

3. Provide endorsement from an Oregon licensed dentist stating that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical requirements, AND

4. Apply for the Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway III:

1. Pass the Orthodontic Expanded Functions with Infection Control exam, AND

2. Provide endorsement from an Oregon licensed dentist stating that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical requirements, AND

3. Apply for the Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Pathway IV:

1. Be certified in another state that has training and certification requirements substantially similar to Oregon’s requirements or obtain verification from a  licensed dentist of having been employed (in a state other than Oregon) for at least 1,000 hours in the past two years as a dental assistant performing expanded orthodontic functions, AND

2. Apply for the  Oregon EFODA certificate (administered by DANB).

Note: The Oregon state dental practice act specifies that, in addition to the exams, courses and programs listed on this page, a dental assistant may complete any successor or otherwise Board-approved exams, courses or programs. For more information, please contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry at www.oregon.gov/dentistry.

View all Oregon exams and certificates.