How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

Dental assistants, along with dental hygienists and dentists are part of every dental practice.

Although the responsibilities of dental assistants are limited, they are an important part of everyday life in the dentists‘ office.

Individuals must check the regulations in the state they are working in regarding the duties they are allowed to do.

According to a statistic from 2010, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services there were around 1,531 assistants in the dental field in the state.

It is expected the number of dental assistants in the state to grow with 21% reaching 1,849.

Also, 64 new job openings are expected each year.

The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners is the sole body responsible for regulating the standards regarding dental assistants, dentists, and dental hygienists.

There are six types of dental assistants recognized by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners.

There are the – Dental Assistants, CDA (Certified Dental Assistants) by the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board), Graduate Dental Assistants and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliaries) and dental assistants allowed to perform radiographic procedures.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, dental assistants are allowed to perform basic and supportive duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Dental assistants performing basic functions are not required to have specific training or education since the job is an entry-level one.

However, some individuals prefer to complete some kind of education.

The most pursued programs are the CODA-accredited (Commission on Dental Accreditation) ones.

There is only one dental assisting program accredited by the CODA in New Hampshire.

However, there are 1 in Vermont, 8 in Massachusetts and 1 in Maine.

Also, there are dental assisting programs offered online by the CODA.

Schools Offering Dental Assisting Programs in New Hampshire

How to Become DANB CDA in New Hampshire

Certified Dental Assistants by the DANB are allowed to perform additional functions.

However, some functions require at least 400 hours of practical dental assisting experience.

The CDA credential through the DANB is recognized in the state of New Hampshire.

To earn the CDA credential, individuals must pass the CDA exam.

The CDA exam consists of three sub-exams:

• GC (General Chairside Assisting)
• ICE (Infection Control)
• RHS (Radiation Health and Safety)

The exam is administered in places called Pearson VUE centers.

Also, the Certified Dental Assistant credential has to be renewed each year.

To do so, candidates must complete 30 continuing education credits.

How to Become a Graduate Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

Dental assistants who graduate from a dental assisting program that is accredited by the CODA are called graduate dental assistants.

They differ from the basic dental assistants with the fact that they are allowed to perform more advanced functions.

The only requirement for them is to graduate from a dental assisting program accredited by the CODA.

How to Become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in New Hampshire

Expanded functions dental assistants in New Hampshire are allowed to perform expanded functions.

Individuals have to be at least 18 years old to pursue a career as an EFDA.

Expanded functions dental assistants may be allowed to perform the listed below functions:

• Coronal polishing
• Dental sealants
• Infection control in the dental office
• In-Office tooth whitening
• Monitoring nitrous oxide administration
• Orthodontic duties
• Preliminary inspection of the oral cavity
• Provisional crown and bridge restorations

Dental assistants who wish to perform a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity must meet one of the listed below requirements:

• Be a dental assisting program graduate
• Have a CDA credential
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience

Also, candidates have to complete a course or exam approved by the Board in a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity.

To perform infection control in the dental office individuals must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a dental assistant graduate
• Complete a course or exam approved by the Board in infection control

When it comes to dental sealants individuals must be graduate dental assistants and complete a course or exam in orthodontic duties approved by the Board.

However, there is another option before the candidates the requirements for which are listed below:

• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience
• Be qualified in a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity
• Be qualified in infection control
• Complete a course or exam in dental sealants approved by the Board

For coronal polishing dental assistants have two options.

Option 1:

• Be a dental assistant graduate
• Complete a course or exam in coronal polishing approved by the Board
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience

Option 2:

• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience
• Be qualified in infection control
• Be qualified in the inspection of the oral cavity
• Complete a course or exam in coronal polishing approved by the Board

To become qualified to perform In-office tooth whitening candidates must meet any of the following criteria:

• Be graduate dental assistants and complete a course or exam in in-office tooth whitening approved by the Board
• Have a CDA certification
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience, be qualified in a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity and infection control, and complete a course or exam in in-office tooth whitening approved by the Board

When it comes to monitoring nitrous oxide administration, individuals have to meet one of the following requirements:

• Be graduate dental assistants and complete a course or exam in nitrous oxide approved by the Board, and have a valid CPR certification
• Have a CDA certification
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience, be qualified in a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity and infection control, and complete a course or exam in monitoring the administration of nitrous oxide anesthesia approved by the Board

For provisional crown and bridge restorations dental assistants must meet any of the listed below criteria:

• Be a graduate from a dental assistant program and complete a course or exam in provisional crown and bridge restorations approved by the Board
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience, be qualified in infection control and inspection of the oral cavity, and complete a course or exam in provisional crown and bridge restorations approved by the Board

To be allowed to perform orthodontic duties individuals must meet any of the following requirements:

• Be graduate dental assistants and complete a course or exam in orthodontic duties approved by the Board
• Have a CDA certification
• Have at least 400 hours of practical experience, be qualified in a preliminary inspection of the oral cavity and infection control, and complete a course or exam in orthodontic duties approved by the Board

How to Perform Radiographic Procedures in New Hampshire

Dental assistants who want to perform radiographic procedures must be graduate dental assistants.

They must also meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years’ old
• Be dental assistant graduates/have at least 400 hours of practical experience
• Complete dental radiology expanded duty course approved by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners
• Pass the RHS exam or the CDA one

How to Become EFDA in New Hampshire

EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary) is allowed to contour, adjust and place direct restorative materials in the oral cavity.

They must be registered as such with the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners.

To register as EFDAs, individuals have to be at least 18 years old.

They must also be registered/graduate dental assistants, or meet the following requirements:

• Have a DANB certification
• Have at least 4.500 hours of practical experience
• Complete a course in dental restorations approved by the Board
• Receive a recommendation from a dentist registered in New Hampshire
• Have a valid CPR certification

After all of the above is met, dental assistants must apply for a permit.

How Much Does a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire Earn?

Regional Salary in New Hampshire

Dental Assisting by City

Dental Assisting by State