Ohio Dental Assistant Requirements

In Ohio, dental assistants have the opportunity to grow their careers and boost their earning potential by advancing into different roles. This page provides an overview of the various levels of dental assisting and the requirements for each position.

To become a basic dental assistant in Ohio, you can either train on the job under a licensed dentist or complete an accredited dental assisting program. Some dental offices may require you to obtain a Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Monitoring certification, which involves:

• A minimum of two years and 3,000 hours of dental assisting experience
• Completion of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course
• A six-hour course in nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation monitoring

Earning this certification can expand your opportunities and make you a more valuable team member in a dental practice.

Becoming a certified dental assistant (CDA) includes graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. You must also pass the CDA exam that is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

To become an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA), you have to be a certified dental assistant and complete an Ohio State Dental Board-approved EFDA training program accredited by CODA. You also have to pass the EDFA exam that is administered by the Commission on Dental Testing in Ohio and apply to the Ohio Dental Board to register as an EFDA.

Advancing your career as an Ohio dental assistant gives you options to expand your scope, skills, and responsibilities. By meeting the necessary education, certification, and licensing requirements, you can position yourself for long-term success.