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Dental Assistant
Total cost: $100 (EDDA only)
4 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · 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.
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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.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — DANB CDA
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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 | $100.00 (EDDA only) |
License Fee | $0 (basic DA); $100.00 (EDDA application fee) |
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) |
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Louisiana with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Dental Assistant requirements in nearby states
See how Louisiana compares: Dental Assistant License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Dental Assistant Schools in Louisiana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
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Dental Assistant requirements in Louisiana verified against Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, March 2026.
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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.