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Dental Assistant
Total cost: $100
5 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · Every number on this page links to its official source
CDA / EFDA
Credential
Not Required
DANB CDA
Required
Radiology Cert
Available
Expanded Functions
12 hrs
CE Hours
$100
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Required
Program Type
Ohio CODA-accredited program; EFDA requires additional 180-hour program
CODA Accreditation Required
OJT Not Allowed — Formal Education Required
Program Length
9-12 months for CDA; additional 180 hours for EFDA
Minimum Education
High school diploma or GED
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
Required
Radiology Certification
DANB CDA Details
Ohio uses its own unique CODA certification body rather than DANB
Radiology Certification Details
Radiography component is part of the 3-part state certification exam
CPR Certification Required
State-Specific Exam Required
3-part state exam: written, clinical, and radiography components
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
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 and indirect supervision
Direct Supervision Procedures
EFDA expanded functions including restorative procedures
Indirect Supervision Procedures
Coronal polishing, fluoride application, sealants, impressions
General Supervision Procedures
Radiographs, sterilization
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 | $65 |
Exam Fee | $65 |
License Fee | $35 |
Renewal Fee | $35 annual CDA / $20 biennial EFDA |
Total Initial Fees Includes $65 exam fee and $35 annual CDA certification fee | $100 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year for CDA / 2 years for EFDA
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
Yes
CPR Renewal
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$35 annual CDA / $20 biennial EFDA
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
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Portability Details
Ohio requires its own state exam regardless of out-of-state credentials; DANB CDA does not substitute for Ohio exam
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 Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Ohio is distinctive in using its own state CODA certification body rather than DANB, requiring a unique 3-part exam (written, clinical, and radiography), and offering the EFDA credential with an additional 180-hour program for expanded restorative functions.
Ohio uses its own unique state certification body rather than DANB.
The state exam has 3 components: written, clinical, and radiography.
EFDA requires an additional 180-hour approved program beyond CDA.
CDA renews annually at $35; EFDA renews biennially at $20.
Ohio does not accept DANB CDA as a substitute for its state exam.
Supported — Ohio uses CODA (codacertification.org), a distinct Ohio-specific body
Dental Assistant requirements in nearby states
See how Ohio compares: Dental Assistant License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Ohio compare to other states for dental assistant? See the full comparison →
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Dental Assistant Schools in Ohio
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
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Dental Assistant requirements in Ohio verified against Ohio State Dental Board, March 2026.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Ohio has specific certification requirements for dental assistants. Formal education is required. All licensing is managed through the Ohio State Dental Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.