Attention: Dentists, Dental Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants, Orthodontic Assistants, and Dental Offices

SB 1453 introduces new regulations that will significantly impact roles and operations within dental practices. Are you prepared for these changes? Make sure your team and office are fully equipped to comply with these important updates.

New Regulations Effective January 1, 2025

8-Hour Infection Control

All dental assistants, sterilization technicians, or any dental office personnel performing supportive procedures involving exposure to blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious materials are required to complete an 8-hour infection control course through a board-approved provider.

California Dental Educators is a Dental-board approved course IC154.

Coronal Polish

Coronal polishing is now a certified duty for dental assistants. To perform this duty, dental assistants must complete a coronal polish course from a board-approved provider. California Dental Educators is a Dental-board approved course CP123.

Orthodontic Assistant

Dental assistants are no longer required to complete six months of on-the-job training or wait a year before applying for the Orthodontic Assistant examination. They can now enroll directly in an Orthodontic Assistant course from a board-approved provider. California Dental Educators is a Dental-board approved course OA144.

In addition to their duties, an RDA and OAP can “isolate, condition, etch, and prepare teeth for provisional attachments, bonded attachments, aligner buttons, aligner connections, orthodontic brackets, and appliances.”

Pit and Fissure Sealants

To apply for an RDA exam, a Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate from a board-approved provider is a prerequisite and must be obtained to apply (Starting 7/1/25).

California Dental Educators is a Dental-board approved course. PF155.

Dental Assistant Certificates
Dental assistants who hold certificates in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polish, and/or Orthodontic Assistant must display these certificates in the dental office where they perform the respective procedures.

Dental Practice Act (DPA) and Basic Life Support (BLS)
It is the dentist’s responsibility to ensure that dental assistants obtain DPA and BLS certifications within one year of employment.

California Dental Educators is a Dental-board Mandatory Provider approved courses for the

2-Unit Dental Practice Act and 2-Unit Infection Control RP5888.

Certificate Deadlines

Dental Practice Act: 2-years

8-Hour Infection Control: 2-years

Coronal Polish: 5-years

Pit and Fissure Sealants: 5-years

Radiation Safety: 10-years

California Dental Educators is a board-approved provider for all our offered courses. All provider numbers are listed at the end of each description and can be verified on the dental boards website https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/rda_courses.shtml

Sign up early to secure your seat, as spaces are limited and tend to fill up quickly. With the new regulations course availability may be impacted—don’t wait until the last minute! You can view and register for courses by clicking on the links below.

These new regulations outline some of the latest certification and renewal requirements for dental assistants,registered dental assistants and dental providers ensuring compliance with updated standards and practices in dental offices. We will continue to keep you informed.