How to Become a Dental Assistant in Rhode Island

Who can apply

• Rhode Island does not license or register general dental assistants. A dentist delegates reversible intraoral duties based on your competency and training, under the dentist's direct supervision (216-RICR-40-05-2.10).
• All dental assistants practicing in a dental setting must hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider certificate with a hands-on skills component (216-RICR-40-05-2.7.8).
• All dental assistants must receive at least 1 hour per year of training on the CDC Infection Control Guidelines.
• You may not expose x-rays until you complete a course in dental radiography offered by an education institution with a CODA-accredited program (216-RICR-40-05-2.10.3).

Step by step

1. Get BLS for the Healthcare Provider certification with a hands-on skills portion.
2. Start working as a dental assistant doing reversible procedures under a dentist's direct supervision.
3. Complete at least 1 hour of CDC infection control training each year.
4. Before taking x-rays, finish a dental radiography course at an institution with a CODA-accredited program.
5. Optional: earn a DANB certification (such as the CDA) and complete clinical training to perform sealants, coronal polishing, retraction cord, fluoride and orthodontic band or bracket duties.

Training and exam

Training: No program is required to start, but every dental assistant needs current BLS for the Healthcare Provider (hands-on) and at least 1 hour per year of CDC infection control training. Exposing x-rays requires a dental radiography course from an education institution with a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Exam: Rhode Island has no state exam for dental assistants. A DANB certification is needed only if you want the duties the rules reserve for DANB-certified assistants.

What it costs in Rhode Island

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: No state renewal. Keep your BLS certificate current and complete at least 1 hour of CDC infection control training every year.

Good to know in Rhode Island

DANB-certified assistants: A DANB-certified assistant (for example, a CDA) may apply pit and fissure sealants, do coronal polishing, place and remove retraction cord, give fluoride treatments and place or remove orthodontic attachments and bands under direct supervision, if these were part of their academic training or they completed academic clinical training to competence. A non-certified dental assistant may not do these.

What no assistant may do: Neither DANB-certified nor other dental assistants may perform irreversible procedures, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), or duties reserved for dental hygienists. Rule 2.10.3 also bars all assistants from using a rotary instrument in the mouth (unless licensed or certified for it), condensing or carving permanent restorations, taking conventional impressions for dentures or permanent crowns and bridges, final cementation of permanent crowns, placing sutures, flushing root canals, and temporary wire ligation.

Digital scans: A dental assistant may take a final digital scan, with final inspection and approval by the dentist.

Nitrous oxide: If the dentist or hygienist leaves the room, the nitrous oxide must be turned off, and a dental assistant must stay to monitor the patient.

Oral surgery assistants: Maxillofacial surgery assistants are a separate category: they must be DAANCE-certified and licensed by the Department of Health.

Sources

• 216-RICR-40-05-2 - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants (RI Department of State)
• RI Department of Health - Dental Professionals