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Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants

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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.

List of Testing Sites

Complete list of community college testing sites that regularly administer the board examinations in jurisprudence, infection control, and dental radiography.

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Definition of Dental Assistant

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. 

Additional information about the regulatory changes is available for review: 2025 Iowa Acts House File 805. 

Radiography Qualification Required

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.

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Dental Assistants in Training 

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.

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Categories of Dental Assistants 

  • XDA: Radiography Qualification for Non-Registered Dental Assistants or Licensed Nurses
    • Allowed to take x-rays.
  • Non-Registered Dental Assistants一No Radiography Qualification
    • Permitted to take x-rays as follows:
      • While in a practical course of training; or
      • If a radiography qualification has been issued to the dental assistant.
  • RDA: Registered Dental Assistant一No Radiography Qualification
    • Not allowed to take x-rays.
  • QDA: Registered Dental Assistant with a Radiography Qualification
    • Allowed to take x-rays.
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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.

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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;
  • Glucose testing;
  • Phlebotomy; and
  • Expanded function procedures in accordance with IAC 481—Chapter 577.

Prohibitions to Scope of Practice

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
  • Removal of calculus

For more information, refer to IAC 481—Chapter 575.

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.

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Expanded Functions

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.

Find additional information on expanded functions training here.

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Laws & Rules

List items for Laws & Rules for Dentistry - April 2025

Below are the statutes and administrative rules that pertain directly to the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in Iowa.

Iowa Code & Administrative Rules for Licensing Boards

The following Iowa Code chapters and administrative rules apply to licensing boards within the department.

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Dental Assistant FAQs

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Application & Renewal Fees

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Iowa Dental Board

The Iowa Dental Board licenses and regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene & dental assisting in Iowa.

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