How to Become a Dental Assistant in Delaware: A Complete Career Guide

Delaware offers promising opportunities for aspiring dental assistants, with growing demand in both urban and rural areas. Unlike what some may believe, Delaware recognizes only one official level of dental assisting practice, with specific requirements and scope of practice defined by the state.

Career Prospects

Job Outlook

• Expected growth rate of 7% through 2031 in Delaware
• Median salary: $42,510 (as of 2023)
• Strong demand in cities like Wilmington, Dover, and Newark
• Opportunities in private practices, dental clinics, and specialty offices

Dental Assisting in Delaware

According to the Delaware State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, there is one recognized level of dental assistant in Delaware:

Dental Assistant

• Can perform supportive dental procedures under direct supervision
• Competency in specific duties is determined by the supervising dentist
• The dentist is given full responsibility in deciding the scope of work to be allocated to the dental assistant
• Adequate training of dental assistants is solely the responsibility of the dentist

Note: The Delaware Board places full responsibility for the work done by dental assistants directly upon the dentist.

Radiography Requirements

In order to legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Delaware, a dental assistant must:

1. Hold a state certificate as a Dental Radiation Technician OR hold a state certificate recognizing DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification from the Delaware Division of Public Health/Office of Radiation Control (Delaware ORC)
2. To qualify, one must:
   • Pass the DANB national Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam OR hold current DANB CDA certification
   • Submit a completed state certificate application (Form R16-N) to the Delaware ORC
   • Be at least 18 years of age to receive the state certificate

Important: Delaware does not recognize certificates issued by other states for radiography.

Allowable Functions

Under Direct Supervision (dentist is present in the office, personally examines the patient, and specifically authorizes the work to be performed):

• Take and develop x-rays (with proper certification)
• Give and demonstrate home-care procedures to the patient
• Place a rubber dam
• Take impressions for study models
• Place cotton rolls
• Remove excess cements from dental restorations and appliances with hand instruments only
• Remove temporary medicinal fillings or packs under direct orders of the dentist
• Other duties as delegated by the supervising dentist

Prohibited Functions

The following functions are not permitted by dental assistants in Delaware:

• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Cutting of hard and/or soft tissues
• Any intraoral procedure which would lead to the fabrication of an appliance and/or restoration which, when received by the patient, would come in direct contact with hard or soft tissue and which could result in tissue irritation or injury
• Those procedures allocated by the Dental Code to registered dental hygienists

Education Requirements

In Delaware, formal education is not mandated by the state. However, dental assistants seeking career advancement often choose to:

• Complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program (typically 9-12 months)
• Programs may be available at Delaware Technical Community College and other approved vocational schools or community colleges
• Program components typically include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical externship

National Certification

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

While not required by the state for general dental assisting duties, obtaining CDA certification can enhance career opportunities:

• Administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• Requirements:
  • Graduate from accredited program OR have 2+ years work experience
  • CPR certification
  • Pass three-component exam:
    • General Chairside (GC)
    • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
    • Infection Control (ICE)

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in Delaware

1. Choose Your Path
   • Decide between formal education or on-the-job training
   • Consider long-term career goals
2. Complete Education/Training
   • Enroll in accredited program OR
   • Secure entry-level position for on-the-job training
3. Obtain Required Certifications
   • Complete radiation safety course and obtain certification (if taking x-rays)
   • Obtain CPR certification
   • Consider DANB certification for career advancement
4. Maintain Credentials
   • Complete any continuing education requirements
   • Keep certifications current

Professional Organizations and Resources

State Organizations

• Delaware Dental Assistants Association
• Delaware State Dental Society

National Organizations

• American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Additional Resources

• Delaware State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
• Delaware Division of Public Health/Office of Radiation Control
• Delaware Technical Community College

Career Advancement Opportunities

Specialization Areas

• Orthodontics
• Oral surgery
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics

Additional Career Paths

• Dental office management
• Dental assisting instructor
• Sales representative for dental products
• Insurance claims processor

Conclusion

Becoming a dental assistant in Delaware offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for advancement. The state places responsibility on supervising dentists to determine dental assistant competency and scope of practice. For those interested in performing radiographic procedures, specific certification is required through the Delaware Office of Radiation Control. With dedication to professional development and continued education, dental assistants can build successful careers in the field.