Loading...
Loading...
How to become a expanded duty dental assistant in Louisiana. OJT pathway available. Total initial fees: $100 (EDDA only). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Assistant
4 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
EDDA
Credential
Not Required
DANB CDA
Not Required
Radiology Cert
Available
Expanded Functions
0 hrs
CE Hours
$100 (EDDA only)
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Required
Program Type
EDDA requires completion of one of 3 recognized Louisiana programs (LSU, ULM, or SUSLA); basic DA is unregulated with OJT
CODA Accreditation Not Required
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Allowed
Program Length
30 hours of EDDA instruction
Minimum Education
No minimum for basic DA; EDDA requires program completion from approved Louisiana institution
Many states allow dental assistants to enter the profession through on-the-job training (OJT), while others require completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. Requirements vary significantly by state and credential level.
DANB CDA, Radiology & State Exams
VerifiedNot Required
DANB CDA Certification
Not Required
Radiology Certification
DANB CDA Details
DANB CDA not required and not a substitute for Louisiana-specific EDDA program
Radiology Certification Details
No separate radiology certification for basic DA
CPR Certification Not Required
No State-Specific Exam
The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is the nationally recognized standard, though not all states require it. Radiology certification is commonly required to take dental X-rays. CPR certification is required in most states.
Allowable Expanded Duties
VerifiedAllowed
Coronal Polishing
Allowed
Sealant Application
Allowed
Fluoride Application
Allowed
Impressions
Allowed
Temporaries
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
Separate EFDA Certification Required for Expanded Functions
Expanded functions allow dental assistants to perform additional procedures beyond basic chairside duties. Some states require a separate Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential, additional training, or specific coursework to perform these duties.
Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervision Levels
Direct supervision
Direct Supervision Procedures
All dental assistant duties including EDDA expanded functions
Dental assistants work under varying levels of supervision depending on the procedure. Direct supervision means the dentist must be physically present and authorize the procedure. Indirect supervision means the dentist is on-site. General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedures but need not be on the premises.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 (EDDA only) |
License Fee | $0 (basic DA); $100 (EDDA application) |
Renewal Fee | $0 (basic DA) |
Total Initial Fees $100 EDDA application fee; basic DA has $0 fees; only 3 Louisiana programs accepted (LSU, ULM, SUSLA) | $100 (EDDA only) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A for basic DA
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
CPR Renewal
Renewal Fee
$0
Regulatory Board
Dental assistant credentials must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, radiology safety, and dental practice updates. CPR certification renewal is required in most jurisdictions.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Portability Details
Louisiana does not accept out-of-state EDDA credentials; applicants must complete one of only 3 recognized in-state programs regardless of prior training
Reciprocity Requirements
Dental assistant credential reciprocity varies by state. States with similar requirements may offer endorsement pathways, while others require a full application including verification of education, certification, and work experience.
Louisiana is one of the most restrictive states for EDDA portability, recognizing only 3 in-state programs (LSU, ULM, and SUSLA) and refusing to accept any out-of-state EDDA credentials regardless of the applicant's training or experience.
Basic dental assistants are unregulated in Louisiana.
Only 3 EDDA programs are recognized: LSU, ULM, and SUSLA.
Out-of-state EDDA credentials are NOT accepted - this is one of the most restrictive portability policies in the nation.
EDDA requires 30 hours of instruction from an approved Louisiana program.
$100 application fee for EDDA certification.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#45 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#35 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091)
Entry Level
$34,200
25th percentile
Median
$38,150
-19% vs. national avg ($47,300)Experienced
$46,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,420 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+24,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
52,500
per year (avg.)
381,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+371% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Assistant
$38,150
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
You are here
Dental Assistant
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$38,150
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$80,900
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$179,600
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 40–68 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Louisiana has specific certification requirements for dental assistants. An on-the-job training pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.