Recently, some U.S. states have expanded dental assistants’ scope of practice, modified and clarified requirements for them, and more, according to the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB) spring 2026 State of the States report.
State legislative and regulatory changes were made from August 2025 to April 2026.
Changes by state
Arizona
Effective August 2025, the state dental board filed a substantive policy statement, approving oral preventive assistant training courses. It outlines the minimum standards for prerequisites, curriculum, and clinical instruction that a course must meet to be considered approved by the state dental board.
California
In October 2025, a new law was signed that no longer requires the state dental board to include a dental hygienist. Instead, this position can be replaced with a second registered dental assistant if the person is registered as a dental assistant for at least five years prior to appointment.
Delaware
In September 2025, a new law was signed requiring state regulators to work with professional boards to determine what data should be collected during licensing and renewal processes for healthcare professionals, including those in dentistry. The law aims to address workforce gaps, support educational program alignment, and help the state better support its aging population and increasing rates of chronic disease.
Indiana
Effective July 1, 2026, a new law was signed amending requirements for the administration of nitrous oxide by a dental assistant. It updates training requirements to include the completion of courses approved by the dental board. Also, it allows foreign-trained dentists to practice as dental hygienists.
Michigan
In October 2025, a new law was signed that allocates $2 million for federally qualified health center (FQHC) training programs to partner with a state health center careers training program to provide additional recruitment and training opportunities for FQHC employees, including dental assistants.
Oregon
The state dental board amended administrative rules clarifying state certification requirements. Any reference to the discontinued administration of the Oregon Basic (ORB) exam was removed.
Now, candidates must pass DANB’s Infection Control exam for the expanded function dental assistant, expanded function orthodontic dental assistant (EFDA), and EFDA certificates. Those who passed the ORB before its discontinuation in 2024 can still use the results to qualify for an expanded function certificate. Additionally, the new rules outline provisions for the dental board to issue a local anesthesia functions certificate to a dental assistant who holds an Oregon-certified anesthesia dental assistant certificate and has completed a board-approved curriculum from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the ADA or another approved by the board. The new rules were effective December 1, 2025.
Texas
The state dental board revised the following rules related to registration requirements for dental assistants:
- Rule 114.2 Registration of Dental Assistants reflects the board’s current online application process, revises radiography requirements to include both film and digital formats, and adds a provision for the proper disposal of chemicals used in developing radiographs.
- Rule 114.6 General Qualifications for Registration for Dental Assistants specifies the documentation required to ensure that only qualified and legally authorized individuals can practice in the state.
- Rule 114.7 Exemption from Registration for Certain Military Service Members and Military Spouses expedites application processing time from 30 days to 10 days for the dental board to notify a military member or spouse about the status of an application.
All rules were effective in March 2026.
Utah
In November 2025, dental regulations were approved establishing a Dental Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) membership that includes one dental assistant with an expanded function certification. The DEAC will assist the dental board in its duties, functions, and responsibilities, including advising on proposed practice areas for each expanded function dental auxiliary certification.
Virginia
Effective July 1, 2026, a dental assistant I or II with 1,800 hours of clinical experience can perform supragingival scaling and coronal polishing under a dentist's supervision.
Washington
Effective January 2026, licensure requirements for EFDAs were amended by modifying the training requirements for amalgam restorations. This change allows EFDAs to complete training on either typodonts or clinical patients instead of both.
