dental assistant certification nj
dental assistant certification nj
Levels of Dental Assistants
Unregistered Dental Assistant: No state license needed. Performs basic clinical and administrative tasks under direct dentist supervision. njconsumeraffairs.gov+13ignitedds.com+13dentalcareersedu.org+13
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA): Authorized to perform expanded intra‑oral duties under direct supervision. Full licensing through the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry is required. danb.org+1ignitedds.com+1
Limited Registered Dental Assistant – Orthodontics (LRDA‑O): Permits specific orthodontic procedures after completing CODA‑accredited training and passing select DANB exams. onlinecareertraining.bergen.edu+13ignitedds.com+13danb.org+13
✅ Path to Becoming an RDA
To earn RDA licensure in NJ, you must:
Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
Complete online NJ jurisprudence orientation within 6 months of application
Pass DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam (within past 10 years)
Fulfill one of the following:
Graduate from a CODA‑accredited dental assisting program (within 10 years), OR
Have 2 years of work experience (within 5 years) and pass DANB’s NJ Expanded Duties – General Exam, OR
Same experience requirement plus NJ-approved expanded functions program and exam
Apply for RDA licensure through the NJ State Board of Dentistry njconsumeraffairs.gov+10danb.org+10ignitedds.com+10ignitedds.comdentalcareersedu.org+1healthcarepathway.com+1
🦷 Radiography Privileges
To take x‑rays, you must become a Dental Radiologic Technologist (DRT):
Complete a NJ‑approved dental radiography course
And either:
Pass DANB’s Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam (within 5 years), or
Hold a CDA plus complete the NJ course
Apply via the NJ Bureau of X‑Ray Compliance danb.org+10ignitedds.com+10dentalcareersedu.org+10
🔁 Ongoing Requirements
RDAs must complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits every two years to renew licensure nj.gov
🎓 Approved Education Pathways
New Jersey recognizes two main routes:
CODA‑accredited programs (offered at community colleges, vocational schools, etc.). NJ has several in-state options. onlinecareertraining.bergen.edu+7dentalcareersedu.org+7healthcarepathway.com+7
Experience-based pathway: 2 years of recent dental assisting experience plus passing relevant DANB exams.
Unregistered assistants may begin working immediately, but RDA status is required for expanded duties, and DRT certification for x-ray procedures.
💡 Why Certification Matters
Expanded duties: Only RDAs and LRDAs-O can perform bondings, sealants, coronal polishing, etc.
Radiology privileges: DRT license is essential for x‑ray tasks
Professional advancement: Many practices prefer or require RDA credentials
Mobility: Licensed RDAs can practice across U.S. jurisdictions accepting DANB credentials njconsumeraffairs.gov+6dentalcareersedu.org+6ignitedds.com+6
📋 Application At-a-Glance Checklist
✅ High school diploma GED
✅ CDA exam completion
✅ CODA‑accredited program or work-experience + expanded-functions exam
✅ Pass NJ jurisprudence exam
✅ Complete background check & application (fee $35)
✅ Pass expanded‑duties exam if following experience pathway onlinecareertraining.bergen.edu+11dentalcareersedu.org+11ignitedds.com+11healthcarepathway.com
🧭 Next Steps
Choose your path: education vs. experience
Register for CDA and (if needed) Expanded Duties exam
Take the NJ jurisprudence orientation/test
Apply to the NJ State Board of Dentistry
Complete CE requirements for renewal
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