Healthcare / Professional License
How to Verify a Dental Assistant Certification (CDA, RDA, EFDA)
Dental assistant credentials exist at two levels: a voluntary national certification (CDA) from DANB and state-issued registrations or licenses (RDA, EFDA) required to perform expanded functions. Verification requirements depend on the specific duties the dental assistant will perform.
Quick answer
Verify the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) credential at danb.org (Dental Assisting National Board) → Verify a Credential. For state-issued RDA, EFDA, or dental assistant registration, verify at the state dental board in the practice state. Many states require specific state credentials for expanded-function procedures.
Dental assistant credential types
The credential landscape for dental assistants is fragmented by state law. Understanding the credential type is essential before verifying.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| CDA | DANB (national) | Voluntary national certification; recognized in 38+ states; covers infection control, dental radiography, chairside assisting |
| RDA | State dental board | Registered Dental Assistant; state-issued license or registration; required in CA, TX, MN, and others for clinical duties |
| EFDA | State dental board | Expanded Function Dental Assistant; permit for restorative procedures (placing fillings, placing temporary crowns); state-specific scope |
| RDAEF | California Dental Board | Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions; California-specific; highest level of dental assisting authority in CA |
| DANB component certificates | DANB (national) | Infection Control (ICE), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Coronal Polishing (CP); some states accept component certs in lieu of full CDA |
Verifying the CDA through DANB
DANB (Dental Assisting National Board — danb.org) is the only nationally recognized credentialing body for dental assistants in the United States.
DANB verification steps
- Go to danb.org
- Select Verify a Credential
- Search by the candidate's name or DANB ID number
- Confirm: certification type (CDA or component certificates), active/inactive status, expiration date
CDA certification requires annual renewal including continuing education. A lapsed CDA cannot be represented as current. DANB also maintains records of component certifications (ICE, RHS) that some states require independently of the full CDA.
State dental board verification
For states that require formal licensure or registration, verify at the state dental board. Expanded function authorizations (EFDA, RDAEF) are issued and tracked at the state level only.
Selected state dental board portals
- California: CA Dental Board — dbc.ca.gov → License Lookup; RDA, RDAEF, DA Radiation Permit
- Texas: TX State Board of Dental Examiners — tsbde.texas.gov → License Verification; DA, EFDA
- Florida: FL Board of Dentistry — flhealthsource.gov; Registered Dental Assistant
- New York: NY Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov; no separate DA license required; dentist supervision rules apply
- Minnesota: MN Board of Dentistry — mn.gov/denti; Registered Dental Assistant required for clinical duties
- Ohio: OH State Dental Board — dental.ohio.gov → License Lookup; EFDA permit
- Pennsylvania: PA State Board of Dentistry — dos.pa.gov; Expanded Function Dental Assistant
States with no mandatory DA credential
Some states do not require dental assistants to hold a license or registration for non-expanded duties. In these states, the dentist is responsible for training and supervising. However:
- Radiographic duties typically require separate state dental radiology permit even in otherwise unregulated states
- Expanded function procedures (placing restorations, sealants) almost always require state-specific authorization even if basic assisting does not
- Verify which specific duties are required for the position before assuming no credential is needed
Common red flags
- Claiming RDA when the state requires it but no state record exists: In regulated states (CA, TX, MN), working without an active RDA credential is a violation.
- CDA lapsed but still represented as current: DANB certifications require annual renewal. Verify current status, not just initial certification.
- Performing expanded functions without EFDA or equivalent permit: Placing restorations without the required state permit exposes the practice to regulatory liability.
- Diploma from non-CODA-accredited dental assisting program: While not always required for licensure, CODA accreditation is the standard for DA programs. Non-accredited programs vary widely in quality.
Verification checklist
- 1. Confirm which duties the position requires and which credentials they trigger (basic assisting, radiography, expanded functions)
- 2. Verify CDA status (if claimed) at danb.org → Verify a Credential
- 3. Verify state RDA or DA registration at the state dental board for the practice state
- 4. Confirm EFDA / RDAEF / expanded function permit is active if the role includes restorative procedures
- 5. Verify state dental radiology permit if the assistant will take x-rays
- 6. Use VerifyED to confirm the dental assisting program's institution was regionally accredited
Verify dental assisting program accreditation
Dental assisting programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) through the ADA. Use VerifyED to confirm the candidate's institution was regionally accredited and to screen for diploma mills in healthcare education.
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