08/21/2026
DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL BOARDS LAWS CHANGING FOR THESE STATES if you reside in Kentucky or Florida let us help you get your polishing certification. We are credential by the Dental Assisting National Board 812-278-0261 cost is 400.00
DANB’s compilation of state dental assisting requirements is one of the most comprehensive resources
available on this topic. The updates below highlight dental assisting state legislative and regulatory changes
from April to July 2026.
Alabama
Effective April 13, 2026, the Alabama Board of Dental
Examiners expanded the scope of allowable duties for
dental assistants to include performing coronal polishing
and the placement of pit and fissure sealants under the
direct supervision of a duly licensed dentist.
Connecticut
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, a dentist who delegates the taking
of dental x-rays by the dental assistant will assume
responsibility for the procedure but need not remain on-site
in the dental office or treatment facility.
Florida
Effective April 26, 2026, the Florida Board of Dentistry
amended rules to add tasks delegable to dental assistants
to include polishing clinical crowns using a rotary
instrument if a hygienist is in the office when the polishing
occurs; removing implant hybrid prosthetic dentures with a
string attached to the removing tool at all times; removing
healing abutments and placing scan body on the implant
in order to be able to perform intra oral digital scanning;
and placing intermediate material that serves as a barrier
between the implant screw and restoration of the access
screw of the implant restoration. The new rules also remove
all references to amalgam restorations.
Iowa
In Iowa, regulations effective June 3 allow dental assistants to practice without registration if they complete a specified term
of practical training, which includes jurisprudence and infection control, under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Kentucky
On April 13, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB776, which allows dental assistants to utilize a dental hygiene cordless
polisher in addition to the use of a rubber cap attached to a slow-speed rotary dental handpiece. The bill also removes
language that would prohibit dental assistants from using any instrumentation that may elicit the removal of calcareous
deposits or accretions on the crowns and roots of teeth and the making of final impressions from which casts are made
to construct any dental restoration. Additionally, the bill allows the Board of Dentistry to designate funds to administer
scholarships or education loan repayment assistance to qualified individuals.
Also signed in April 2026, HB459 will require the licensing authorities of healthcare occupations to collect workforce
participation data during the annual, biennial, or triennial licensure renewal process. The new process must be implemented
by Jan. 1, 2028.
Categories
Expanded functions — Additional functions for DAs (9 states)
Implementing or modifying requirements — Changes to dental
assistant requirements (3 states)
Supervision — Changes to supervision levels for DAs (3 states)
Reporting — Reporting-related requirements that involve dental
assistants (2 states) Page 2 • Dental Assisting National Board • www.danb.org
STATE OF THE STATES
Fall 2026
Maine
On April 13, Gov. Janet Mills signed HP1420/LD2105,
updating state laws regarding who is required to report
suspected child abuse or neglect, and clarifying the
definition of a “health care practitioner” to include a dentist,
dental hygienist, and dental assistant.
Maryland
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, a new law mandates criminal history
record checks for individuals seeking or renewing licenses
and certificates in various health occupations, including
dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs amended rule language July 23 to allow a dental therapist
to delegate functions to a registered dental assistant or unlicensed dental auxiliary; require an unlicensed dental auxiliary
to complete one additional hour of training in infection control, which must include the subject of water line maintenance;
require a delegating dentist to keep proof that an unlicensed dental auxiliary has completed the education required to
perform functions under delegation; allow the measurement of blood glucose to be delegated to a registered dental
assistant or unlicensed dental auxiliary; and clarify that unlicensed dental auxiliaries must identify themselves as unlicensed
dental auxiliaries to telehealth patients.
Nevada
Effective July 1, the Nevada Board of Dental Examiners approved amendments to the state Expanded Function Dental
Assistant license. The updates specify the scope of practice, continuing education, and renewal and reinstatement
requirements, while expanding eligibility criteria to recognize DANB’s CDA, CPFDA, and CRFDA exams.
New Mexico
At its Feb. 20 meeting, the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care approved rule revisions outlining two pathways to
dental radiography certification: passing DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or completing a board-approved
course with an integrated exam (both valid 24 months). The new rules, effective Apr. 21, 2026, also add an ethics/
jurisprudence course requirement for EFDA/CDHC renewal.
North Dakota
Effective April 1, 2026, amended state rules allow an unregistered dental assistant enrolled in a board-approved qualified
dental assistant program and working under the direct supervision of a dentist to perform the duties of a qualified dental
assistant. The change also expands the duties of a registered dental assistant under the general supervision of a dentist
to include taking final impressions, holding a curing light for a dental procedure, and polishing the coronal surfaces of the
teeth by use of air polishing.
Oklahoma
On May 5, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB3934, which allows dental assistants to perform certain procedures under general
supervision — specifically, to assist a hygienist with procedures the hygienist can perform under general supervision and to
complete radiation safety under general supervision.
South Carolina
Signed by Gov. Henry McMaster May 15, H4189 allows dental assistants to perform oral screenings utilizing the Department
of Public Health and Environmental Control approved screening system in school and public health settings.
Categories
Expanded functions — Additional functions for DAs (9 states)
Implementing or modifying requirements — Changes to dental
assistant requirements (3 states)
Supervision — Changes to supervision levels for DAs (3 states)
Reporting — Reporting-related requirements that involve dental
assistants (2 states) Page 3 • Dental Assisting National Board • www.danb.org
STATE OF THE STATES
Fall 2026
Utah
To implement changes to 2025 legislation (HB372),
new administrative rules effective July 8 define the
requirements and scope of practice for two new expanded
function certifications for dental auxiliaries. Under indirect
supervision, eligible dental assistants and dental hygienists
may perform:
• Placement of direct restorations
• Removal of coronal adhesive
Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB 970/SB 178 into law April 9, 2026. The new law, which goes into effect July 1, 2026,
allows a Dental Assistant I or II with 1,800 hours of clinical experience to perform supragingival scaling and coronal
polishing under dentist supervision.
Washington
Effective May 30, 2026, dental assistants may apply silver diamine fluoride to children in school-based and school-linked
programs under the general supervision of a state licensed dentist.
West Virginia
Rule changes effective April 21, 2026, permit the use of dental retraction materials other than a packing cord for crown
impressions to ensure flexibility in the standard and allow for the adoption of current and future innovations in retraction
materials.
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the nationally recognized certification organization for dental assistants.
