Florida does not license dental assistants and there is no exam requirement. However, before performing the expanded functions as defined in the Board's regulations, the dental assistant must have formal training. No, you don't need to get certified as a dental radiographer if you completed a board-approved program as part of your training in expanded functions. See Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B5-9.011. Dental assistants in the state of Florida must have formal training to perform the expanded functions listed in the Practices Act.
To become a dental assistant in Florida, you must complete a course or program administered or developed as part of the regular curriculum in a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assistance educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Alternatively, you can successfully complete an expanded function training program approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry (Academy of Dental Assistants).The Florida Board of Dentistry website has a list of frequently asked questions about dental assistant certification in Florida. It is important to note that Florida does not accept any dental assistant certification from any other state, or the DANB certification. To obtain dental radiographer certification through the Department of Health, you must fill out an application and complete three months of practical training under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed dentist.
Additionally, you must document that you have successfully completed a Board-approved course that meets the requirements of Rule 64B5-9.011 of the Florida Administrative Code. Rule 64B5-16.005 (i) states that dental assistants who have received formal training may place and expose dental radiographic film and sensors under the indirect supervision of a licensed Florida dentist after completing the following: Compu-Med Vocational Careers has developed a dental assistant program that prepares graduates for real-world dental assistance. For the purpose of positioning and displaying the x-rays of dental assistants, formal training may consist of having received certification as a dental radiographer in accordance with Rule Chapter 64B5-9.011 of the Florida Administrative Code (F).Dental assistants who worked in Florida and who had obtained their CDA from DANB before the effective date of this rule change are “exempt” and qualify as EFDA in Florida. However, Florida does not offer reciprocity and does not license dental assistants; therefore, you cannot transfer a dental assistant license from another state. Enrolling in a dental assistant program is the first step you must take to become a dental assistant in Florida. Your diploma shows that you can be prepared to take on these responsibilities and fulfill your role as a dental assistant.
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Florida, a dental assistant must meet the requirements set out below. Compu-Med's dental assistant program meets radiology standards and expanded functions, meaning that graduates don't need to apply for additional certification after graduating.
