Steps to Career Advancement

Orthodontic assistants may be regulated by the Dental Practice Act in individual states. In many states there is no mention of dental assistants or of orthodontic assistants in the dental law. In those states an orthodontist may delegate many procedures to assistants who know what they are doing who may not have had formal training.

In some states such as California, the Dental Practice Act regulates different levels of dental assistants. These are shown below. At Level 1, "orthodontic assistants" who do not have any formal training are limited in what they are allowed to do by the Dental Practice Act.

As an individual obtains more formal training and passes required exams, more procedures can be delegated in a state that has such regulations. Because this individual is more skilled, a higher pay scale is usually available.

Level 6                                                                                             

 Registered Orthodontic Assistant with College Degree

• Earns college credits to fullfil Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree requirements
• Maintains ROA status

Level 5                                                                               

 Registered Orthodontic Assistant (ROA)

• Special training for the position of the Registered Orthodontic Assistant
  • ITICourses training for the ROA to perform in all systems of an orthodontic practice
  • Training at the level of a Registered Dental Hygienist or Nurse Practitioner
  • Training so that the ROA is competent in the delivery of orthodontic patient care
  • Curriculum is approved by state/province Dental Board

• Must register as a Registered Orthodontic Assistant meeting state/province requirements

• Must maintain Registration with each state/province

  • Pay fees to state/province

  • Obtain Continuing Education Credits to maintain Registration

  • Duties that can be performed by the ROA are regulated by state/province Board of Dental Examiners and listed in Dental Practice Act

• Must carry malpractice insurance

Level 4                                                                                

 Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions (RDAEF)

• Special training in expanded duties given in each state/province that is approved by state/province Dental Board

• Must obtain permit to perform each expanded function and meet state/province requirements

• Must maintain permits with each state/province

  • Pay fees to state/province

  • Obtain Continuing Education Credits to maintain permits

  • Permitted duties regulated by state/province Board of Dental Examiners listed in Dental Practice Act

• Must carry malpractice insurance

Level 3                                                      

 Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

• Special training given in each state/province that is approved by state/province Dental Board

• Must pass the Registered Dental Assistant Exam or meet state/province requirements

• Must register with each state/province

  • Pay fees to state/province

  • Obtain Continuing Education Credits to maintain registration status

  • Allowed duties regulated by state/province Board of Dental Examiners listed in Dental Practice Act

• Must carry malpractice insurance

Level 2                                                                 

 Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)

• Special training in Dental Assisting Programs and the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting

• Must pass the Certified Dental Assistant Exam or the Certified Orthodontic Assistant Exam given by the non-profit corporation Dental Assisting National Board

• Continuing Education Credits required by DANB to maintain certification

• Some regulations by state/province Boards of Dental Examiners listed in Dental Practice Acts

 Level 1                            

 Dental Assistant (DA), Orthodontic Assistant (OA), Administrative Assistant (AA)

• High school graduate

• On the job training

• Not regulated by state/province Boards of Dental Examiners