How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas

In order to become a dental assistant in Texas, you will need to fulfill certain criteria and education requirements,

Read on in order to learn more!

Getting Certified in Texas

Without certification, you can take the following job responsibilities in Texas:

• Fluoride varnish application
• Treating an existing patient, if allowed by the dentist in writing
• Reversible procedures
• Tooth-whitening procedures

In order to perform other duties, you need a certification from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

These are:

• Pit and Fissure Sealant
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
• Coronal Polishing
• Registered Dental Assistant X-Rays

You can take x-rays in the first year of working as a dental assistant, after which an x-ray certificate is required.

Pit and Fissure Sealant License

To get this certificate, you need experience of 2 years as a dental assistant, a basic life support class, and an 8-hour long pit and fissure class covering:

• Infection control
• CPR
• Microbiology and chemistry
• Dental anatomy
• Jurisprudence and ethics related to pit and fissure sealants
• Clinical lab for the application of sealants

After the requirements are fulfilled, you need to send a $30 fee and fill in an application for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

This certification needs a yearly renewal on the first of January.

Coronal Polishing License

To get this license, you need experience of 2 years as a dental assistant.

You can get this certification in 3 different ways.

1. Finish an 8-hour course in coronal polishing, both theory and practice.

The classes cover:

• Polishing coronal surfaces of teeth
• Oral anatomy and tooth morphology
• Complications, contra-indications, and indications of coronal polishing
• Infection control procedures
• Coronal polishing principles, like armamentarium, patient positioning, and polishing agents
• Texas jurisprudence as it relates to coronal polishing

2. Take the Dental Assisting National Board’s Coronal Polish test, covering:

• Dental and oral anatomy
• Oral prophylaxis
• Coronal polish
• Dental deposits
• Precautions when polishing
• Patient record keeping and education
• Polishing agents and abrasives
• Polishing technique
• Infection control

Take the State Board of Dental Examiners’ Texas Jurisprudence Assessment for Coronal Polishing Exam, which requires the payment of a $54 fee.

The exam is available online and doesn’t have a time limit.

3. Finish a program in another state that is approved by the American Dental Association and includes both theory and practice in coronal polishing.

Take the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment for Coronal Polishing test

Once the criteria are met, you can submit the application along with a $12 fee to the Board.

The certification needs continuing education and doesn’t expire.

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring License

The license allows you to work with nitrous oxide, and requires a $12 fee and attending an accredited course.

The course lasts 8 hours and covers:

• Texas jurisprudence relating to the administration of nitrous oxide
• Dental anatomy and physiology
• Sedation equipment
• Pharmacology
• Patient monitoring
• Management and recognition of medical emergencies

This certification doesn’t expire and also doesn’t need extra education hours over the years.

Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray License

To get this certification, you need to become a member of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

For this, you must take an accredited class covering:

• Texas jurisprudence
• Radiology
• Infection control

If you have a CDA (Certified Dental Assistant), you don’t need to take the class, but you do need to take the Texas Jurisprudence test.

After fulfilling the criteria, you can submit the Dental Assistant Registration Application along with a $36 fee.

The x-ray certification should be renewed every year, on your birthday.

Continuous Education Requirements

If you have one credential, you need to take 6 hours of education per year.

If you have 2 credentials, you need 12 hours of education per year.

The extra hours can be completed either online, through lectures or self-study, as long as the provider is approved by the Board.

You will not need continued education for CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) training and OSHA training.

Job Opportunities

If you need more professional resources, make sure to check out the Texas Dental Assistants Association (TDAA).

Keep in mind that if you pursue additional certifications, you have the chance of getting higher pay.

Regional Salary in Texas

Schools Offering Dental Assisting Programs in Texas

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