Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Due to the abundance of complex information and details related to the regulation of dental assistants in California, we have addressed the most frequently asked questions for both the Dental Assistant and other members of the dental team.
We have organized these frequently asked questions into categories to make finding particular questions easy.
Dental assistants can only expose dental radiographs after successfully completing a board-approved radiation safety course. As of January 2010, dental assistants are required to complete the following courses after 120 days of employment to within a year of the date of hire:
- Course in basic life support (must be American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
- Board-approved course in infection control, must be at least 8 hours long
- Board approved course in the California Dental Practice Act (2hours)
Applicants can become RDAs through on-the-job training or having graduated from an RDA-approved dental assisting program. Applicants wanting to qualify via the work experience pathway must have 15 months of work experience rather than 12 months. All applicants must have completed a board-approved course in the California Dental Practice Act (2hrs), an 8-hour board-approved course in infection control, a course in basic life support within five years before application, a board-approved course in the application of pit and fissure sealants, coronal polish and a certificate in radiation safety (x-ray license).
The written exam is computerized and scheduled by appointment at designated test sites through PSI. You can download an application for the written by going to: www.dbc.ca.gov, clicking on applicants then proceeding to the section entitled Written examination and downloading an application from PSI. You can also call PSI at: (877) 392-6422. For additional help, go to the Dental Board’s website www.dbc.ca.gov
After filing your application for the RDA practical examination with the Dental Board, and after being accepted for the exam, you will receive a letter confirming your acceptance. This letter will contain detailed information regarding the practical examination and a packet from PSI with information on the written exam. The written can be scheduled at any time after your application has been approved and you have been given a case number. The Dental Board only assigns a practical exam date and time. PSI will schedule a written examination date and time at a location near you.
Yes, all dental team members, including dental assistants, must have a basic life support certification from either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Create a free BreEZe account on the CA Department of Consumer Affairs site.
Submit the “Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure” application.
Upload: proof of your chosen pathway, all required course certificates.
Pay the $120 application fee.
You may also mail a paper RDA‑1 form with documents and payment to the Dental Board office.
As of 2017, the dental board illuminated the practical exam. Only a written review test/exam is required.
We accept checks, cash and all major credit cards.
Yes, it is a requirement to follow OSHA guidelines. ALL students must wear scrubs, top and bottom (no t-shirts or jeans are accepted) and tennis shoes (dress shoes are not acceptable) to attend class, NO exceptions. If requirements are not followed you cannot attend the class.
A recent tuberculosis test is mandatory. (skin test is good for 1 year, chest x-ray is good for 5 years)