|
F
R E Q U E N T L Y A S
K E D Q U E S T I O N
S R E G I S T R A T I O N & M E M B E R S H I P |
D
E N T A L A S S I S T A N T S P L E D G E
|
"I
solemnly pledge that, in the practice of my profession, I will always be
loyal to the welfare of the patients who come under my care, and to the
interest of the practitioner whom I serve. |
|
I
will be just and generous to the members of my profession, aiding them
and lending them encouragement to be loyal, to be just, to be studious.
|
|
I
hereby pledge to devote my best energies to the service of humanity in
that relationship of life to which I Consecrated myself when I elected
to become a Dental Assistant." |
|
Dr. Charles Nelson
Johnson |
Q: What happens September 1, 2007 for the Texas dental assistant and registration?
A: Texas law requires that all Dental Assistants who expose radiographs must be registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) by August 31, 2007. SINCE September 1, 2006, unregistered Dental Assistants have been required to attend a course and take an examination. This course and examination must be provided by an SBDE Approved Provider and must cover the objectives set forth by rule by the SBDE. The course and examination will cover Radiology, Infection Control and Jurisprudence. A copy of the Certificate of completion a.k.a. Course Completion Certificate received after successfully passing the Examination MUST be used to apply to the SBDE for Registration.
SOURCE:
The provisions of this Section 114.20, adopted to be effective May 26, 2006, 31
TexReg 4426.
Q:
I recently moved from Temple, Texas to Pasadena, Texas.
Do I need to notify the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners before the
September 1, 2007 deadline?
A: This is a “Yes” and “No” answer.
“No” The deadline doesn’t necessarily apply to those who have moved. The September 1, 2007 deadline applies to Dental Assistants who expose radiographs and who have yet to become registered.
Dental Assistants who has been issued a Texas RDA Certificate should not “re-apply” for a new credential because of the August 31, 2007 deadline.
“YES!”
Practicing Dental Assistants maintain the RDA Credential by submitting the
renewal form that the Texas SBDE has sent to them via US Mail for submission of
annual fees, along with signature attesting to having accumulated six (6)
Continuing Education credits and a copy of a current CPR card.
Therefore, Texas RDA’s ARE REQUIRED TO notify the SBDE with a change of
address. Any changes of name, home address, employer, employer address
or any phone numbers are required. If a Dental Assistant is audited
by the SBDE, the assistant will be required to
provide written proof of the six (6) CE credits, along with a copy of their
current CPR card. The RDA is
responsible for maintaining a file of all CE credits. Texas
SBDE Renewal forms & address change
SOURCE: The provisions of this Section 114.20, adopted to be effective May 26, 2006, 31 TexReg 4426.
Q: I am a dental assistant and I need to be registered because I take x-rays. What do I need to do?
A:
A Dental Assistant will need to find an SBDE
Approved Provider Course
and pass the required examination prior to submitting an application to the SBDE for Registration.
Q: I have several dental assistants in my office who have in the past taken the radiology exam and passed but they do not have the jurisprudence or the OSHA. Do they have to take the course with all three or are there available courses for the individual tests they have not taken? Thank you.
A: Dental assistants who were "Grandmothered" prior to 1989 or who took the Radiology test as provided by the Texas SBDE prior to 2003 will no longer be listed on the Texas SBDE website. The Department of Health Radiology Certificate is considered obsolete and is no longer valid, expiring on August 31, 2007.
Dental assistants who took only the Radiology Examination at Prometric are not listed with the SBDE because they did not complete the process required for application for Registration between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2006. These dental assistants are not RDA's.
Dental Assistants who are current DANB CDA's only have to take the Jurisprudence Assessment. Jurisprudence Assessment Information.
All Dental Assistants who expose radiographs must be registered with the Texas SBDE by August 31, 2007. As of September 1, 2006, an Assistant must successfully complete a Course and exit Examination covering Radiology, Infection Control and Jurisprudence. The Certificate of completion received MUST be used to apply to the SBDE for Registration. The Dental Practice Act and the SBDE Rules and Regulations provide for the objectives for the Course. Chapter 114
Texas law allows only certain organizations to apply to become Approved Providers of the Course and Examination. Texas’ SBDE website lists Approved Providers and the programs which are currently available. TDAA is very proud to be listed among the Approved Providers of the Course and Examination. SBDE Approved Provider Course Once the process is complete, a Dental Assistant who is an RDA will be listed publicly as an "Active & Current Registered Dental Assistant."
Q: I have my RDA credential and have had it since July 2005. Because there have been changes in the law since the registration of dental assistants began, will I have to redo it all after September 1, 2006 or after September 1, 2007?
A: No. To date there have been over
17,000 Dental Assistants who have applied
for application to be registered and have become RDA's and each of these
Registered Dental Assistants can continue as RDA's if they annually pay the
Texas SBDE renewal fee, have current CPR
and the required six
(6) Units of CE from an Approved CE Provider, as specified in Rule 104.2 – Providers.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 104.2 adopted to be effective March 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 1423; amended to be effective April, 2001; amended to be effective September, 2002; amended to be effective February 17, 2006, 31 TexReg 1035.
Q: I have let my registration lapse. What do I do now?
A:
Rule
114.20
(d) (3) – A Registration that has been expired for more than one year will be canceled and may not be renewed. An applicant whose Registration has been canceled must submit a new application.
If it has not been (12) twelve months, the Dental Assistant may contact the SBDE for the renewal form, attest that he/she has had the required CE, copy current CPR card, pay the renewal fee and be reinstated. If it has been more than one year since the renewal was due, the Dental Assistant must take the new Course and Examination and reapply for Registration.
SOURCE: The provisions of this Section 114.20, adopted to be effective May 26, 2006, 31 TexReg 4426.
Q: If I am not an “RDA” by September 1, 2006, what happens to my radiology certification issued by the SBDE dated 1989?
A: Rule 114. 20
(a) (1) – Having only the Radiology Certificate will no longer satisfy the law or the rules of SBDE. Radiology Certificate holders are required to take the Course and Examination presented by an SBDE Approved Provider covering Radiology, Infection Control and Jurisprudence. Radiology Certificate holders had until August 31, 2007 to come into compliance with the law.
SOURCE: The provisions of this Section 114.20, adopted to be effective May 26, 2006, 31 TexReg 4426.
Q: If I am not an "RDA" by September 1, 2007, what happens to my Texas Radiology Certification issued by the SBDE dated 1989 - 2003?
A: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, make Application to the Texas SBDE for Dental Assistant Registration. "Radiology Certificates" issued by the SBDE dated 1989 - 2003 are considered obsolete and are no longer valid. The Texas RDA Credential replaces all “Radiology Certificates” issued in the past.
SOURCE: The provisions of this Section 114.20, adopted to be effective May 26, 2006, 31 TexReg 4426.
Q. Since I earned my Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Certificate upon graduation from my school, may I send a copy of my certificate as my record?
A. To be in compliance with the States’ laws, the only Registration acceptable in Texas is one that is provided by the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE). Dental Assistant Registration Procedures
Q: Will the SBDE make available a list of approved providers for the courses and examinations presented around the state after September 1, 2006?
A: Yes, the State Board of Dental Examiner’s (SBDE) has made available a list of Approved Providers, along with links for further information. Visit this page for comprehensive information: Dental Assistant Registration Procedures.
Q. What does Jurisprudence mean?
A.
Jurisprudence is a collection of rules imposed by authority. Rule
114.2.
Texas Legislature passes laws concerning Dentistry and Dental Assisting. The State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) is an agency of the Texas Government charged with creating the rules and regulations necessary to enforce those laws.
SOURCE: Chapter 114 Publication Date May 2006
Q: I’m a new dental assistant and was hired on September 3,2007. I have been told that I will be taught how to take x-rays and that I must be registered. What is the law in regards to this?
A:
Newly hired inexperienced dental assistants will have 12 months from
their date of hiring to come into compliance with the law. Dental
Practice Act, Chapter 265.005 (L).
Acts of the 79th Legislature Regular Session – 2005, April 1, 2005.
Q: What is the difference between and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)?
A:
A CDA usually has attended an American
Dental Association (ADA) Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved
school and has passed an examination administered by the Dental Assisting
National Board (DANB).
A CDA is required by DANB
to have twelve (12) hours of approved continued education (CE) each year and pay
an annual fee to retain the credential of CDA.
A Texas RDA has proved, by testing, to be competent in Radiology, Infection Control and Jurisprudence, has made application to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiner’s SBDE, and has paid a fee to the SBDE for both application and registration.
A currently DANB Certified Dental
Assistant is required to complete the Jurisprudence Assessment provided by
the Texas SBDE prior to making application to the SBDE for Texas Registration.
Texas JURIS Assessment Information can be found here.
Rule 114. 2 - Registration of Dental
Assistants.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 114.2 adopted to be effective May 7, 2004 29 TexReg 4474.
Q. Does TDAA sponsor continuing education (CE) courses?
A. Yes, TDAA and its Local Components are SBDE Approved sponsors of CE Courses. One may subscribe to The Bulletin, TDAA’S publication for courses offered and/or attend any Local Society's CE Program. More information: TDAA CE & Calendar of Events
Providers of CE are different from providers of the Dental Assistant Course and Examination.
Continuing
Education courses endorsed by the following providers will meet the criteria for
acceptable continuing education hours if such hours are either technical or
scientific as related to clinical care and in content as certified by the
following providers listed under Rule
104.2 – List of CE Providers.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 104.2 adopted to be effective March 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 1423; amended to be effective April, 2001; amended to be effective September 2002; amended to be effective February 17, 2006, 31 TexReg 1035.
Q. Does TDAA offer scholarships?
A. Yes. TDAA offers Scholarships to Student Applicants from Dental Assisting Programs; they are awarded during TDAA Annual Session, which is in May of each year. TDAA Scholarship Information
Q. If I become a member, how do I find the closest group for Continuing Education?
A. Current Local Dental Assistants Societies are:
Fourth
District Dental Assistants Society
Dallas
County Dental Assistants Society
East
Texas Dental Assistants Society
El
Paso Dental Assistants Society
Fort
Worth District Dental Assistants Society
Greater
Houston Dental Assistants Society
Nueces
Valley Dental Assistants Society
San Antonio Dental Assistants Society
Q: My employer is not taking us to the state meeting this year and registration requires three (3) hours that are not home study and I do not know how I am going to get those hours. Any information you could give me would be great.
A: As of September 1, 2006, the laws have changed. Presently, Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) must have six (6) hours of CE, which can all be achieved through self-study, Interactive computer courses or lecture courses as offered, but must be given by a SBDE Approved Provider for CE and can be about any dental assistant duties (not specific). More information: TDAA CE & Calendar of Events and other certifications.
SBDE Providers of CE are different from providers of the Dental Assistant Course and Examination.
Continuing Education courses endorsed by the following providers will meet the criteria for acceptable continuing education hours if such hours are either technical or scientific as related to clinical care and in content as certified by the following providers listed under Rule 104.2 – List of CE Providers.
Visit SBDE’s comprehensive page of information for Approved Providers of DA Course & Examination and contact information.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 104.2 adopted to be effective March 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 1423; amended to be effective April, 2001; amended to be effective September, 2002; amended to be effective February 17, 2006, 31 TexReg 1035.
Q. Where can I get information about taking the nitrous-oxide monitoring examination?
A. Please view CE Courses offered on this page: TDAA CE & Calendar of Events and view SBDE's website for examination and other certifications.
Q. Where can I get information about signing up for the states Pit & Fissure Sealant Training and taking the Examination?
A. The schools that are the current providers of classes in sealant training & examination are listed on the SBDE’s page regarding optional certificates.
Q: Help!! I just moved to Texas, and have been a dental assistant for 25 years. I was told to contact the Dental Board to be grandmothered in but I am having trouble getting information.
A. Texas offers no reciprocity for credentials from any other state. As of September 1, 2006, all Assistants who expose Radiographs are required by law to be registered in the State of Texas. If you are new to the profession, you have up to (12) twelve months to be in compliance. Once registered, you will be given the Texas RDA Credential and will need to adhere to the rules and regulations imposed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE).
In order to be legally allowed to
expose Radiographs, Monitor Nitrous Oxide,
Perform Orthodontic Coronal Polishing or Apply Pit & Fissure Sealants in the
State of Texas one must contact Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE)
for information regarding education and testing.
Again, the Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential is required in Texas for Dental Assistants who expose Radiographs. The following expanded duties do require Texas State License/Certification.
Taking Radiographs, Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, Performing Coronal Polishing and/or Applying Pit & Fissure Sealants.
TDAA endorses educated Dental Assistants.
Please check SBDE's website for these optional
certifications.
For further information contact
SBDE at these numbers:
(Phone) 512.463.6400 (FAX) 512.463.7452 and view their website.
Q: What are the requirements for working as a dental assistant?
A: There are no legal requirements in Texas for Dental Assistants, except for those Dental Assistants who expose Radiographs, Monitor Nitrous Oxide, Perform Orthodontic Coronal Polishing, or Apply Pit and Fissure Sealants. All those Assistants are required to attend a course and pass an examination. This course and examination must be provided by an SBDE Approved Provider and must cover the objectives set forth by rule by the SBDE. Having a current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card is also a requirement for SBDE Application.
Q: Are dental assistants legally allowed to polish above the gumline in the state of Texas? I have been given conflicting information.
A: Refer to the above question. If you have the delegated duty of polishing smooth surfaces prior to the placement of orthodontic brackets or bands, you must hold a Pit and Fissure Certificate issued by the SBDE to be in compliance with Texas law. Coronal polishing is not legal for any other purpose and patients may not be charged for a prophylaxis.
If
you have questions regarding Dental Assisting Certifications in Texas, please
contact the SBDE
office and speak to their current Dental Assisting Coordinator.
Texas
State Board of Dental Examiners
333 Guadalupe Street, Tower 3, Suite 800
Austin, Texas 78701-3942, Main number: 1.512.463.6400
Q: I am an orthodontic assistant, but do not take x-rays. Do I still need to be registered?
A: Chapter 114 addresses the current laws for Dental Assistants. If you do not take x-rays as part of your functions as a Dental Assistant in your current office, then, no you do not need to be registered according to the laws of the state of Texas.
Choosing to have the RDA Credential would qualify you for future positions or practices where you may wish to be employed in the future.
SOURCE: Chapter 114 Publication Date May 2006
Q: What if I attend a course that is not approved by SBDE?
A:
Not all CE Courses that are offered for Dental Assistants will have SBDE
Approval. Please pay close attention when registering for CE’s, so that you will know if the course will be allowed for proof of CE with regard to your RDA Credential and Registration. TDAA and its Local Dental Assistant Society’s are state components of the American Dental Assistants Association. Providers of CE are different from providers of the Dental Assistant Course and Examination.
Rule 104.2 – Providers: Continuing Education courses endorsed by the following providers will meet the criteria for acceptable continuing education hours if such hours are either technical or scientific as related to clinical care and in content as certified by the following providers listed under Rule 104.2 – Providers.
To verify the course is approved for Dental Assistant Course and Examination visit this page: State Board of Dental Examiners Approved Provider.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 104.2 adopted to be effective March 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 1423; amended to be effective April, 2001; amended to be effective September, 2002; amended to be effective February 17, 2006, 31 TexReg 1035.
Q: My doctor wants to know what will happen to him if one of his assistants does not pass the required exam, but he still wants to keep her on as an assistant who takes x-rays?
A: As of September 1, 2006, if a Dental Assistant continues to take x-rays, he/she is in violation of the law (Dental Practice Act, Chapter 265) and subject to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners' (SBDE) sanctions. If the dentist allows him/her to take x-rays, he/she is in violation of the law (Dental Practice Act, Chapter 265) and subject to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners' (SBDE) sanctions.
Rule
114.1 - Permitted Duties.
Rule 114.2 - Registration of Dental Assistants.
For
further interpretation and information, TDAA would refer you to the legal staff
of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE):
Acts of the 79th Legislature Regular Session – 2005, April 1, 2005.
SOURCE:
Chapter
114 Publication Date May 2006.
Q: Are there any study guides available for purchase for preparing for the Texas RDA course and examination like there was prior to September 2006?
A: No. At this time, there are no study guides for purchase available for preparing for the Dental Assistant Course and Examination. SBDE and TDAA no longer sell study guides for all 3 subjects for the RDA Credential. Resources to study prior to passing the required Dental Assistant Course and Examination.
Q: I am a dental assistant in Minnesota and will be moving to Texas in the near future. Will my certifications be good in Texas?
A: The rules and regulations for Texas Dental Assistants are unique and separate from other states' licenses. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) offers no reciprocity from any state regarding Registration of Dental Assistants. Any credential that you might have obtained in any other state is not recognized in Texas. If you are a CDA through DANB, you still have to apply to SBDE for registration. Rule 114. 2 – Registration of Dental Assistants.
DANB Certified Dental Assistants MUST successfully pass the JURIS Assessment and then make application to TSBDE for Dental Assistant Registration, in order to be in compliance with Texas law. It is necessary for Dental Assistants to know Jurisprudence, which applies to the dental profession in the State of Texas. Jurisprudence is the collection of rules imposed by authority.
JURIS Assessment Information can be found here.
Rule 114. 2 - Registration of Dental Assistants.
SOURCE: The provisions of rule 114.2 adopted to be effective May 7, 2004 29 TexReg 4474.
Q: I want to get some information on the insurance that is available to members. I am interested in becoming a member.
A: For a membership application and fees, contact The ADAA National Office Phone: 312-541-1550, FAX: 312-541-1496; E-mail: iguillen@adaa1.com Download Membership Application
The American Dental Assistants Association
JOIN THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE DENTAL ASSISTING A PROFESSION
Included in ADAA dues:
$50,000 professional liability insurance, $2,000 of accidental death and
dismemberment insurance, Discounts on home study continuing education courses,
No Grading Fee for members, A subscription to The Dental Assistant Journal, and
FREE continuing education, with only a moderate test-grading fee.
Additional Advantages:
Credit Card Programs - even cards for student members to those who qualify, Major medical insurance - available in most states, Disability income plans in most states, Group term life insurance plans for you and your dependents in most states. Leisure time concerns, includes reduced rates for hotels and rental cars, and best rates on travel.
Want to learn more about member services and benefits? Or if you have a question about basic membership records - address, dues, magazine subscription, call Member Records. The ADAA staff is accessible all day at 312-541-1550. Becoming an ADAA/TDAA Member is a very positive step.
Q.
Do I have to be a Certified Dental Assistant to become a member of TDAA?
A. No, you do not need to be a CDA to become a member. TDAA supports Members who become CDA’s by providing CE Courses that have been given the status of DANB Approval. Only twelve (12) CE credits/CPR Certification are required per year.
Local Societies also provide opportunities for continuing education to maintain SBDE Registration. Only six (6) CE credits/CPR Certification are required per year.
Q.
Can I become just a Member of the Local Society or TDAA?
A. No, membership is tripartite; that is, when you join you will become a member of ADAA, TDAA, and a Local Society, if there is one in your area. If there is not a Local, you will become a State (independent) Member.
ADAA/TDAA/Local Membership Application
Q. If I am not a member, may I go to any meetings/CE courses TDAA offers?
A. Yes, you may attend any meeting of TDAA, or Local Society that is available. Registration fees for seminars and meetings are either free or at a reduced cost for members. Local organizations may impose a fee for non-members attending a CE program.
You have the option of subscribing to the TDAA Bulletin publication and possibly to the Local Society's newsletter, and attending their CE meeting, without becoming a member. TDAA encourages all Dental Assistants to join because of the added benefits of membership.
ADAA/TDAA/Local Membership Benefits
Q. How much do dental assistants receive in wages in Texas? What benefits should I expect?
A. Income varies according to experience, education, abilities, and according to the local area you reside or work in. Starting average for Clinical Assistants in the D/FW metro area can be anywhere from $14.00 an hour as a new graduate and up to $22.00 an hour with experience. For example: Temporary agencies in the D/FW metro area presently pay Clinical Assistants approximately $15.00 - $16.00 an hour. Temporary agencies in West Texas pay approximately $10.00 an hour. Business Assistants tend to be paid monthly, anywhere from $2800.00 to $4000.00 per month, depending on experience. Talk with other Assistants in your area or contact your local temporary agency.
Employment benefits that are provided vary. There are Dentists who offer no benefits, other than Vacation and/or Holiday pay, which may begin after a period of anywhere from 30 days to one year. However, if you do find a Dentist who does offer other benefits, it is possible they may also offer: 401K plan, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses, Insurance, Continuing Education (CE) Courses, Sick Pay, and ADAA/TDAA Membership Dues.
Resources:
Texas
Dental Placement Network
Texas Workforce Commission – Austin: 512.463.8942
Dental Assisting National Board (www.danb.org) - Salary Survey
Q. Where are dental assistant courses available?
A. TDAA promotes Dental Assistant Courses that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and have been granted the accreditation status of Approved. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized component of the American Dental Association, and is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Dental Assistant Courses are offered through Regional, State, and local Dental Conferences, as well as, private and public institutions in Texas. There are also courses offered that are non-accredited, but provide knowledge necessary to begin a Dental Assisting Career.
Resources:
ADA
– CODA Approved Program Search
SBDE
Dental Assistant Registration Procedures and
SBDE CE Requirements for Dental Assistants
Q. Does the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners provide study materials for other certification courses?
A. No. The only study materials for a Certification Course that is presently available is through the Texas Dental Association (TDA). Study material for the Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification Examination may be ordered from the Texas Dental Association (TDA). Contact Teresa Kim at TDA, 512.443.3675. E-mail: tkim@tda.org.
Q. Am I required to be certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
A.
Yes, a current CPR Card is required.
Q. May I take CPR at my local city fire department or local parks & recreation center?
A. Yes, at this time, you may take CPR from any Certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Instructor. The requirement no longer mandates a certain provider; however, the Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Providers must include two components: a written assessment and a hands-on demonstration of skills of Infant, Child, Adult CPR, obstructed airway and Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is at least 4.0 hours in length. Hands-on demonstration of skills makes any online certification unacceptable.
Resources: Rod Jensen & Associates – 210.647.3549 or
210.647.1610
