What every new dental assistant must complete, and when

Hiring a new dental assistant is exciting, and it comes with a short list of training requirements that are easy to lose track of in a busy first few weeks. Here's the timeline in plain language, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Before any exposure to blood or saliva

An unlicensed dental assistant must complete a Board-approved 8-hour infection control course before performing any procedure that could expose them to blood or saliva. In other words, this one comes first, before they're working chairside.

Cal/OSHA also requires bloodborne pathogens training before an employee's first potential exposure, then every year after that.

Within one year of the first day of employment

• A Board-approved 2-hour course in the California Dental Practice Act
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved provider, such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, kept current from then on

The law places this responsibility on the employer: the office must make sure each assistant shows proof of this training within one year of their first day, even if they work intermittently.

Before taking X-rays

Assistants who will take radiographs need a Board-approved radiation safety course first. Coronal polishing is an RDA duty and requires its own Board-approved course. Certificates should be displayed where the assistant works.

Keep an eye on AB 873

A bill in the California Legislature, AB 873, would require the 8-hour infection control course within 60 days of hire. When I last checked, it had not become law, but it's worth watching. I'll share an update in the Monthly Compliance Tip if it passes.

Need the 8-hour infection control or 2-hour Dental Practice Act course for your team? I teach both live on Zoom, and I can bring them to your office.

Reference: Business and Professions Code §1750 (c), (f). This article is general education, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Dental Board of California and Cal/OSHA.