License: Dental Assistant, Licensed

Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services Division of Public Health Licensure Unit external site

301 Centennial Mall S

1st Floor

Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 247-4915

<h3>Occupational Description</h3><br>Dental assistants working in a dental office may either continue working in an unlicensed status orpursue a license as a dental assistant professional.Unlicensed Dental Assistant-An unlicensed Dental Assistant, when employed by a licensed dentist, is authorized to assist the dentistin the performance of his/her clinical-related duties. The unlicensed dental assistant is restrictedto performing only certain limited duties or functions.When a supervising licensed dentist is physically present on the premises, the unlicensed dentalassistant may:. Monitor nitrous oxide, if the dental assistanthas a current and valid Board-approved certificationfor cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);. Place topical local anesthesia;. Perform dental x-rays or coronal polishing, uponmeeting certain education or experience requirements(see Dental Assistant licensure page for details).Licensed Dental Assistant-A Licensed Dental Assistant is allowed to perform all clinical duties as listed for an unlicensed DentalAssistant, and, upon completion of education and testing, may apply for additional permits.Licensed Dental Assistants can apply for the following expanded scope functions to be added totheir Dental Assistant license after completing an educational course for each expanded scopefunction:. Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics;. Dental Impressions and Minor Adjustments for Removable Prostheses;. Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth;. Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide Additional informaiton: Licensed Dental Assistants are eligible to apply for expanded scope functions with additional education. Licensed Dental Assistants are also eligible for Expanded Function Permits after 1500 hours of practice as a LDA, completion of training program, and successful passage of a clinical exam. See regulations for more details.<br><h3>Licensure Requirements</h3><br>To qualify for licensure as a Licensed Dental Assistant, applicants must: 1. Have passed the Certification Exam for Dental Assistants (CDA)* offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB); AND 2. Either: A. Have graduated from an accredited dental assisting program or school -OR- B. Have earned 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past five years. All applicants are also required to successfully complete the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%. Individuals who have been licensed in another state/jurisdiction and actively practiced dental assistance for at least three years (one of those years must be within the last three years) may qualify for License by Reciprocity. Training, education, or service gained while a member of the armed forces of the United States may be accepted toward the minimum standards of a credential upon submission of satisfactory evidence of substantial similarity to the education required for the credential (Nebr. Rev. Statute § 38-1,141).<br><h3>Fees</h3><br>$95.00, or $25.00 if initial license is obtained within six months prior to the next expiration date. <br><h3>Renewal</h3><br>Licenses must be renewed biennially by March 1 of odd-numbered years. Thirty hours of acceptable continuing education earned during the preceding 24-month period prior to the license expiration date are required to renew a Dental Assistant license. All general anesthesia/deep sedation/moderate sedation permit holders are also required to attend at least 6 hours of continuing education directly related to the administration and management of anesthesia/sedation for the dental office.