How to Become a Dental Assistant in Vermont

In Vermont, the dental assistant certifications are issued by the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners.

This career field has a good prognosis, with jobs expected to rise by 12% until 2022.

Let’s take a look at the different types of dental assistant jobs and their requirements.

1. Dental assistants: They are working in a dental office and perform duties such as coronal polishing, apply dental sealants, and other related responsibilities under supervision.

2. DANB Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) with State Certification: Candidates need a Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification and receiving a license from a professional dentist in the city.

3. Expanded Function Dental Assistant: Candidates need a DANB CDA certification, finish a CODA-approve course and work for a licensed dentist.

These programs are available in trade schools and do not last longer than a year.

Upon completion, you will receive a dental assistant diploma.

You can also choose to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, in order to get higher pay and more responsibilities.

Certifications in Vermont

To get a DANB CDA or expanded function dental assistant certification, you have to pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) test.

The exam covers:

• General Chairside
• Infection Control
• Radiation Health and Safety

You need to have a CDA certification to perform x-rays.

Other certifications you can get are:

• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)

The certifications must be renewed once a year after taking 30 hours of extra education.

X-Ray Certification

To pursue this certification, you must be:

• 18 years old
• Have a DANB CDA or expanded function dental assistant certification
• Finish a CODA-accredited radiography program not later than 10 years after pursuing then certification
• A dental assistant experience of 6 months
• An application to the Board of Dental Examiners

Registering as a Dental Assistant

Registration must take place within a month of becoming employed.

For this, submit an Application for Registration as a Dental Assistant (Traditional/Certified) and a $60 fee.

Dental Assistant Duties

As a dental assistant, you will not be able to perform the following duties:

• Any other intraoral procedure that results in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy
• Authorization for prosthodontic, restorative, or orthodontic appliances
• Diagnosis, treatment, and planning
• Oral debridement
• Oral prophylaxis
• Periodontal descriptions
• Placing sub-gingival chemotherapeutic agents
• Prescriptions, including prescriptions for drugs and medicine
• Surgical procedures on hard and soft tissues within the oral cavity

Dental Assisting by State