Tennessee Dental Assistant Requirements

Embarking on a career as a dental assistant in Tennessee is rewarding and achievable. If you’re thinking about becoming a dental assistant in Tennessee, we’ve got you covered on the requirements to get started. Tennessee recognizes three levels of dental assistants, each with specific roles, duties, and requirements.

A basic dental assistant is a professional who receives practical chairside training from a licensed dentist or has graduated from an accredited dental assisting program. Basic dental assistants do not need to be registered with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to work in a dental practice.

To become a registered dental assistant in Tennessee, you must complete the following requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. 
• Have a current CPR certification, specifically your BLS for Healthcare Providers.
• Successful completion of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam.
• Submit your completed application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

Tennessee dental assistants can broaden their scope of work by becoming an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA). Each function can require specific training and certification. 

• Coronal Polishing: Complete a Tennessee Board-approved course in coronal polishing, including written and clinical exams. 
• Sealant Application: Successfully complete a Tennessee Board-approved course in sealant application. 
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring: Complete a Tennessee Board-approved nitrous oxide monitoring course. 
• Restorative and Prosthetic Functions: Have a minimum of three years of registered dental assisting experience prior to enrolling in a Board-approved certification course in restorative and prosthetic functions. 

By fulfilling these requirements, you can establish a successful career as a dental assistant in Tennessee, contributing significantly to dental healthcare teams and ensuring optimal patient care.​