When you join the CDAA you automatically become part of a local dental assisting group in your area. You can complete the application online here.

In addition to all the benefits provided at the national level, the state Association provides:

• Access to Professional Liability Insurance
• Representation before state regulatory bodies on dental assisting issues and
  continues to advocate for the profession.
• Opportunity to obtain Continuing Education Units through a local society
• Opportunity to develop network in the dental community
• Subscription to the “CDAA Journal”

Local Society Benefits (varies with each local society)

• Continuing Education Units
• Activities with other dental assisting professionals in your area
• Local Director represents your voice in CDAA
• Interaction with local dental organizations and related industries
• Local Newsletter

Local Societies sponsor courses in their area. A listing of these courses can be found here.

CDAA offers live education at its annual meetings and some regional meetings (see our calendar for information).

Visit the Dental Board of CA website.

For more information about these programs, visit the Dental Board website or go to RDA Programs.

RDA Exam Plan

PSI Candidate Testing Information

Visit the Dental Board of CA website and download the appropriate forms. For more information about these programs, visit the Dental Board website or go to RDAEF programs.

Visit the Dental Board of CA website. You will also find information about approved OA and DSA programs here.

A dental assistant is NOT licensed and has a more limited scope of practice (the list of things they can do), which means they will be earning less. A dental assistant is also not required to earn continuing education, though we encourage all unlicensed dental assistants to take continuing education to stay informed of the current laws, regulations and best practices.

An RDA has a broader scope of practice, but must pass a Combined Written Exam to earn the license after qualifying. The Exam Plan can be found here.

An RDAEF is earned through additional education/testing and have additional duties they are allowed to perform on the patient.

Information about qualifying for these exams can be found on the Dental Board website. 

The CDA is a national certification provided by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and is recognized in some states.  For more information, see the DANB website.

Visit the Dental Board website to view the approved educational programs.

A listing of the allowable duties for each of these categories can be found here.

 More information about the laws and regulations governing dental practices can be found here.