Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants
List items for Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants
Effective July 1, 2025, registration will no longer be required to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa. Registration continues to be an option for those who are interested. Please note that Iowa law still requires dental assistants who take x-rays to obtain and hold a current qualification in dental radiography.
Registration/qualification numbers begin with one of the following designations.
QDA: Registered Dental Assistant with a Radiography Qualification
XDA: Radiography Qualification一Non-Registered Dental Assistants and Licensed Nurses
Dental Radiography Qualification
As referenced in the section above, dental assistants who take dental x-rays are still required to hold an active qualification in dental radiography pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 136C. Dental assistants who choose not to renew the registration will have the option to renew and maintain the qualification in dental radiography.
Information about Renewal
Dental assistants who currently hold a registration (RDA), or a registration and qualification in dental radiography (QDA), will need to submit a renewal application if they want to renew the registration and/or radiography qualification.
Dental assistants who choose to not renew a registration and/or radiography qualification, do not need to take any action. On Nov. 1, 2025, registrations and qualifications that were not renewed will lapse and become invalid for practice.
Renewal Options for Current Dental Assistants Who Hold a Registration and Qualification
If submitting a renewal, dental assistants who hold a registration and radiography qualification (QDA) will need to indicate the preference for renewal. Below is information and summary of the renewal options that will be available.
Remain a Registered & Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA)
Answer "Yes" to the question about whether to renew the registration.
The database will have the dental assistant complete the typical QDA renewal.
The dental assistant's registration number will remain the same.
Renew Only the Radiography Qualification without Registration (XDA)
Answer "No" to the question about whether to renew the registration.
The database will have the dental assistant complete the standard XDA renewal application.
A new XDA number will be issued, and be reflected on the e-card received following renewal.
A new certificate will not be issued. The e-card will serve as your evidence of current qualification in dental radiography.
If you are uncertain about whether or not to renew your registration, you have until Oct. 31, 2025, to make a decision regarding renewal. Additionally, please consult your employer to verify what requirements or preferences, if any, he or she may have.
Online Services
Apply for a License, Registration or Permit Online
Use our online service portal for application, renewal, reports & payments. Some services require a user account.
Complete list of community college testing sites that regularly administer the board examinations in jurisprudence, infection control, and dental radiography.
To schedule a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assistant examination, please contact the testing site of your choice at least 10 days prior to the exam date. A proctor fee will be paid directly to the community college testing site.
BETTENDORF: Eastern Iowa Community College Scott Community College Testing Center 500 Belmont Road Bettendorf, IA 52722 Email: scctestcenter@eicc.edu Phone: 563.441.4088
CALMAR: Northeast Iowa Community College Wilder Business Center Highway 150 South, Box 400 Calmar, IA 52132 Contact: Kathy Donovan Email: donovanka@nicc.edu Phone: 844.642.2338 ext. 1495
CEDAR RAPIDS: Kirkwood Community College 2055 Cedar Hall on the Kirkwood Campus 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W. P.O. Box 2068 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Email: testcenter@kirkwood.edu Phone: 800.332.2055
CLINTON: Clinton Community College Testing Center, 1000 Lincoln Blvd Clinton, IA 52732 Email: ccctestcenter@eicc.edu Phone: 563.244.7090
CORALVILLE: Kirkwood Regional Test Center at Univ. Iowa 2301 Oakdale Blvd. Rm. 126 Coralville, IA 52241 Email: test.center.ic@kirkwood.edu Phone: 319.887.3642
COUNCIL BLUFFS: Iowa Western Community College 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Contact: Cara Trede Email: testing@iwcc.edu Phone: 712.325.3277 or 800.432.5852 Fax: 712.388.6803
EMMETSBURG Iowa Lakes Community College Allied Health, 3200 College Drive Emmetsburg, IA 50536 Contact: Oscar DeLong, (Director of Library Services) Email: odelong@iowalakes.edu Phone: 800.242.5108 ext. 5227 or 712.362.7936 Fax: 712-852-2152
FORT DODGE Iowa Central Community College 1500 W Agency Road Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Contact: Amy Moffitt Email: moffitt_a@iowacentral.edu Phone: 515.574.1044
MARSHALLTOWN Iowa Valley Community College Iowa Valley Education & Training Center 206 E Church St. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Contact: Jon Nunez Email: Jon.Nunez@iavalley.edu Phone: 641.754.1348 Fax: 641-754-1349
MUSCATINE Muscatine Community College 152 Colorado St Muscatine, IA 52761 Email: mmctestcenter@eicc.edu Contact: Bethany Owens Email: blowens@eicc.edu Phone: 563.288.6056 (An Eastern Iowa Community College - EICC)
WATERLOO Hawkeye Community College Student Services, Hawkeye Center, 2nd Floor, 1501 E. Orange Rd., P.O. Box 8015 Waterloo, IA 50701 Contact: Marcy Gosse Email: marcy.gosse@hawkeyecollege.edu Phone: 800.670.4769 or 319.296.4014
“Dental assistant” means any person who, under the supervision of a dentist, performs any extraoral services including infection control or the use of hazardous materials or performs any intraoral services on patients. The term “dental assistant” does not include persons otherwise actively licensed in Iowa to practice dental hygiene or nursing who are engaged in the practice of said profession.
Regulatory Update
Effective July 1, 2025, changes to Iowa Code chapter 153 allow dental assistants to practice without the requirement for registration in Iowa. Iowa Code section 153.39, subsection 5, Code 2025, allows a person to practice as a dental assistant without registration “...if the person successfully completes a term of practical training under the supervision of a dentist.”
A term of practical training is equivalent to dental assistant trainee status. The primary difference is that dental assistants are no longer required to obtain registration to continue practicing after the training period.
Note:Registration continues to be an option for those who are interested. Registration for dental assistants performing expanded functions is optional. The board will discuss and initiate rulemaking to implement the statutory changes in the coming months.
Iowa law still requires dental assistants who take x-rays to obtain and hold a current qualification in dental radiography in accordance with Iowa Code section 136C.3.
Although registration is no longer required to practice as a dental assistant, the requirements related to dental radiography remain the same. Dental assistants who take x-rays must be at least 18 years of age.
Dental assistants may continue to complete on-the-job training in dental radiography. Dental assistants who take x-rays in dental offices are required to successfully complete a board-approved dental radiography examination. After the dentist attests to training and competency in dental radiography, the dental assistant must submit an application for a qualification in dental radiography.
Dental assistants may complete a practical course of on-the-job training to meet the requirements to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa. Dental assistants in training are required to work under personal supervision.
“Personal supervision” means a licensee or registrant is physically present in the room to oversee and instruct all services of the dental assistant trainee as delegated by a licensed dentist.
Important! Dental assistants in training are prohibited from practicing under direct supervision or general supervision. Dentists must document the timeframe that a dental assistant was under training, and when the dentist determined that the dental assistant achieved competency. Documentation should be maintained in the office and made available upon request.
Application for Registration, Radiography Qualification
Registration as a Dental Assistant (Optional)
While optional, dental assistants who are interested may obtain a registration as a dental assistant. An applicant for registration must have training and/or education as a dental assistant that meets one of the following:
Work in a dental office as a dental assistant in training until the dentist determines the applicant has achieved competency;
Have previous experience as dental assistant in another state within the previous five years; or
Be a graduate of an accredited dental assisting program approved by the board.
In order to become registered, dental assistants need to successfully complete board-approved examinations in the following areas:
Iowa jurisprudence.
Infection control and hazardous materials.
Dental radiography. Required only if applying for a qualification in dental radiography.
Radiography qualifications are required for dental assistants who will take dental x-rays following the practical course of training.
Application Types for Dental Assistants following Practical Training or Education
After completing a term of practical training or education in dental assisting and/or dental radiography, a dental assistant is required to submit an application for radiography qualification. Additionally, dental assistants have the option to also apply for registration. Below is a summary of the options for application, and the associated type.
Dental Radiography Qualification without Registration: Complete the XDA* application.
Registration with a Dental Radiography Qualification: Complete the QDA* application.
Registration without a Dental Radiography Qualification: Complete the RDA application.
*Permitted to take x-rays after the practical course of training.
Scope of Practice for Registered Dental Assistants
Dental assistants may perform services as delegated by a licensed dentist. The dentist assumes responsibility for the services provided by dental assistants under his or her supervision.
Services may be delegated to dental assistants who have been trained to perform those services. Delegation should be made in regards for the best interest of the patient. Services within the scope of practice include the following:
Placement and removal of dry socket medication;
Placement of periodontal dressings;
Testing pulp vitality;
Preliminary charting of existing dental restorations and teeth;
Dental assistants are prohibited from performing certain procedures, which include the following, except when performed using toothbrush, floss, or rubber cup coronal polish.
Diagnosis;
Surgical procedures that contribute to irreversible alteration to the oral anatomy;
Administration of local anesthesia;
Removal of plaque, stain, or hard natural or synthetic material; and
Scope of Practice for Dental Assistants in Training
Dental assistants may perform most of the services included in the scope of practice; however, dental assistants in training must work under personal supervision.
“Personal supervision” means a licensee or registrant is physically present in the room to oversee and instruct all services of the dental assistant trainee as delegated by a licensed dentist.
Note: Dental assistants in training are not eligible to train in or provide expanded function services,
Dental Radiography
Dental assistants in training may also engage in on-the-job training in dental radiography if they are 18 years of age or older. Dental assistants in training may only take dental radiographs under personal supervision.
Expanded function procedures may be performed in accordance with IAC 481—Chapter 577. Registered or non-registered assistants may perform the expanded procedures for which board-approved training has been completed and documented. Out-of-state expanded function training must be approved by the board before providing those services in Iowa. Dental assistant registration is not required to enroll in expanded functions training; however training as a dental assistant must have been completed prior to training in expanded functions.
Note: Dental assistants while in training are prohibited from training in or performing expanded functions.
The following chapters from Iowa Administrative Code 481 apply to professional licensing boards within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, Inspections, and Licensing.
Rulemaking notices, along with adopted rule changes, are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
The preamble for each notice includes a summary of the proposed rule changes. The notice includes information about how to submit public comment when applicable. All comments are forwarded to the board for review prior to making a final decision on the outcome of rule change proposals.
I was issued dental assistant trainee status before the new rules go into effect. What does that mean for my dental assistant trainee status? Your dental assistant trainee status will remain in effect and you may continue to practice until the trainee status expires. The rule change means that you are no longer required by law to be on trainee status for a minimum of six months. Your supervising dentist can now decide when you are ready to apply for registration, as long as it is within 12 months of your date of employment.
Please note: Iowa law requires individuals who train in or work with dental radiography to be 18 years of age or older. If registered while a minor, a dental assistant may train on-the-job in dental radiography after reaching the age of 18.
I will be starting a job in a dental office as a dental assistant. Do I need to apply for dental assistant trainee status? Effective Dec. 21, 2022, if you have not yet been issued a registration in Iowa, no, you will not need to apply for trainee status. Based on your first date of employment as a dental assistant trainee with an office, you may train on the job for up to 12 months while you work on meeting the requirements for registration.
If I do not need to apply for dental assistant trainee status, how will I know when I must be issued registration or stop working? You can train on the job as a dental assistant while meeting the requirements for registration for up to 12 months from your first date of employment with an office as a dental assistant trainee.
How do I determine my first date of employment? The date of employment should be determined based on the date of hire by your employer as that is the entity responsible for hiring and other employment-related decisions. Working at multiple locations for the same employer does not restart the clock for the purposes of trainee status. If working for multiple employers, the timeline for trainee status may be reset depending upon the most recent date of employment.
What happens if I am not registered before the end of the 12 months? You must stop practicing as a dental assistant trainee unless you are issued a dental assistant registration, or obtain new employment as a dental assistant trainee.
I worked as a dental assistant trainee at a dental office and quit before I completed the requirements for registration. Can I work as a dental assistant trainee again? If you gain new employment as a dental assistant, you may work as a dental assistant trainee for up to 12 months while meeting the requirements for registration. Your trainee status would start over based on the date of your new employment as a dental assistant.
Can I get an extension on my dental assistant trainee status? If you are still employed at the same dental office, you are unable to continue practicing as a dental assistant trainee until registration is issued to you.
If you leave employment at a dental office and are hired again as a dental assistant, you may practice as a dental assistant trainee for 12 months while you meet the requirements for registration.
I am in high school and have worked for several months as a dental assistant trainee. I have completed the examinations for registration and my dentist wants me to become registered. Am I allowed to apply for registration? Yes. The board eliminated the requirements for minimum age and graduation from high school, or equivalent, to qualify for registration. If you have completed the requirements for registration and your dentist attests to your competency as a dental assistant, you may apply for and be issued a registration as a dental assistant.
I have worked as a dental assistant trainee for three months, and my dentist wants to me to become registered. Am I allowed to do so? Yes. If your dentist will attest to your training and competency as a dental assistant and you have successfully completed the other requirements, you may apply for registration at your convenience. Dental assistant trainees are no longer required to have a minimum of six months experience prior to becoming registered.
Until recently, I practiced as a dental assistant in another state. Do I qualify for registration as a dental assistant? Yes. If you have practiced as a dental assistant within the previous five years, your out-of-state experience as a dental assistant will qualify you for registration. You will need your previous dentist to verify your experience. If you have successfully completed the other requirements for registration, you may apply directly for registration.
If you would like to practice as a dental assistant while completing any outstanding requirements for registration, you may practice as a dental assistant trainee for up to 12 months.
I am working in an office with a dental assistant trainee. The dentist has asked me to supervise the dental assistant trainee when she assists with some intraoral functions, such as suctioning and taking x-rays. Am I allowed to do that? If you are a licensed dental hygienist or registered dental assistant, you may supervise a dental assistant trainee if the dentist directs you to do so. Unlicensed or unregistered individuals may not supervise a dental assistant trainee.
The dentist is going to be out of the office; however, the dentist has instructed me to provide services that must be done under direct supervision. Am I allowed to perform those services? If a dentist will be able to be available via live video in a time similar to what would occur were the dentist were in the office, you may provide most services that require direct supervision. Note: Some services, which require direct supervision, such as expanded functions, obligate the dentist to review the work completed before the patient is dismissed.
If a dentist will not be available via live video, those services that require direct supervision may not be performed. Services would be restricted to those that can be performed under general supervision, or situations wherein a registered dental assistant or dental hygienist is working under a public health supervision agreement.
I was a dental assistant trainee while I was in high school. I was unable to train in dental radiography at that time. I am over 18 years of age, hold a current registration, and my dentist would like me to get a qualification in dental radiography. What do I need to do? You may train on the job in dental radiography if you hold an active registration or Iowa nursing license. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you successfully complete a board-approved examination, you may apply for a qualification in dental radiography.
I am an Iowa-licensed nurse who practices in a dental office. My dentist has asked me to take x-rays. What do I need to do? If you have an active nursing license and are employed in a dental office, you may train on the job in dental radiography. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you successfully complete a board-approved examination, you may apply for a qualification in dental radiography.
How long must I train in dental radiography before I can apply for a qualification to take x-rays? Board rules do not establish a minimum training requirement. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you have successfully completed a board-approved examination in dental radiography, you may apply for a qualification.
May students enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental assistant program take x-rays on patients via teledentistry? In accordance with Iowa Administrative Code 481—Chapter 575, if the dental assisting students are taking x-rays on one another, they may take the x-rays under the direct supervision of a licensed or registered faculty member/instructor, or licensed dentist. If the students are taking x-rays on members of the public, the x-rays must be taken under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
The board has amended the definition of “direct supervision” to permit a licensed dentist to provide direct supervision using teledentistry in cases where the dentist is able to appear via live video upon request in a timeframe similar to what would be expected if the dentist were in the treatment facility.
If the supervision is provided by a licensed dental hygienist or registered dental assistant, teledentistry would not be permitted for the direct supervision of the students.
“Direct supervision” means that the dentist is present in the treatment facility, but it is not required that the dentist be physically present in the treatment room, or the dentist is not present in the treatment facility but is able to appear using live video upon request with a response time similar to what would be expected if the dentist were present in the treatment facility.
I recently started work as a dental assistant trainee. When am I allowed to attempt the examinations required for registration? You may take the examinations at your convenience. You are not required to train on the job for a required amount of time before testing. When you feel prepared to take the exam(s), contact the Board-approved examination provider of your choice to make arrangements. A list of testing sites is available with the resources for dental professionals.
I am a graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. As part of my program, I successfully completed examinations in infection control and dental radiography. Am I required to take the tests approved by the Iowa Dental Board to obtain registration? If you are able to provide evidence of successful examination in either of the subject areas, administered by a CODA-accredited dental assistant program or the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the Iowa Dental Board will accept the results for the purposes of registration.
If you or your program are unable to provide evidence of successful completion of those examinations, you will be required to successfully complete examinations approved by the board.
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, pursuant to HF 2627, individuals whose household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level may request a waiver of application fees related to an initial application for license or registration. Please note: The fee waiver does not extend to applications for renewal, reinstatement or reactivation.
To determine eligibility, you must first identify the number of individuals in your household. Once this is determined, reference the Federal Poverty Level and identify the income that matches the number of individuals in your household. If your household adjusted gross income, as reported on your most recent federal tax return, is less than the identified value, you are eligible for the one-time fee waiver.
DOCUMENTATION FOR QUALIFICATION OF WAIVER If you wish to apply for a fee waiver you must attest that your household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% and agree to submit documentation of one of the following to verify your household income:
If you are married and filed separately, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for both your spouse and yourself.
If you were claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for the tax filer who claimed you as a dependent.
Reinstatement applications require payment of a reinstatement application fee and one past-due renewal fee. Additionally, dentists and dental hygienists must submit a background check packet for which the fee is $46.
VOLUNTEER If you will be volunteering dental services at a non-profit and you do not hold an active Iowa dental or dental hygiene license, you may apply for a temporary permit on the basis to volunteer. There is no fee for this application; though a completed application must be submitted via the Iowa Dental Board online services website.
EDUCATIONAL or URGENT NEED Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need may be issued for up to three months at a predetermined location of practice. Applicants are limited to a maximum of three temporary permits in total. Thereafter, applicants would be required to apply for a permanent dental or dental hygiene license.
Note: Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need are not intended for individuals who will make application for a permanent dental license.
Fee for Educational Purpose or Urgent Need: $100
Iowa Dental Board
The Iowa Dental Board licenses and regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene & dental assisting in Iowa.