The Board of Dentistry approved a 120-hour course. This course covers all aspects of dentistry, including, but not limited to, anatomy and physiology; tooth morphology; infection control; and restorative dentistry, along with all areas of radiology in the dental office. Students will be required to provide verification and documentation of 30 additional hours of observation at a dental office. Students are responsible for arranging their own observation experience, which must be completed by the last day of class. After completing the RDA course, students will register as Dental Assistants with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. To meet the requirements, students must complete the RDA program, be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, provide a completed background check, provide a copy of the BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification, and pay a registration fee.
WSCC RDA Program Requirements: Students must be 18 years of age. Provide a copy of a High School Diploma or GED. Obtain the BLS for Healthcare Providers and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications. All students attending a n/c Allied Health program in the Division of Workforce Training are required to receive the CPR-BLS and AHA Bloodborne Pathogens certifications. Walters State offers this course. The cost is $80.
Students must purchase their own books for this course. They can be purchased at the Walters State Bookstore or at any online vendor. Modern Dental Assisting, 15th edition, Hardcover by Debbie S. Robinson, CDA, MS ISBN: 9780443249419 Student Workbook for Modern Dental Assisting 15th edition by Debbie S. Robinson, CDA, MS ISBN: 9780443268663 Scrubs and/or lab coat 30 hours of observation in a dental office. Cost is $225.00.
TN Board of Dentistry Registration Requirements:
Successful completion of the RDA training program
A valid high school diploma or GED
Be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a passport-size photograph taken within 12 months of application
Two (2) original letters of recommendation from licensed professionals
Copy of current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
Proof of U.S. or Canadian citizenship or evidence of being legally entitled to live in the U.S. (e.g., copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization papers, or current visa status) All applicants must complete, sign, and have notarized the Declaration of Citizenship form and submit the documents required by the Declaration of Citizenship form.
A criminal background check is required. For instructions to obtain a criminal background check, see the TN Board of Dentistry application. $15 Dental Radiology Form and $40 Application (Both of these applications are to be submitted to the state upon completing the course. Separate payments to the state are required.)
Jurisprudence Exam Chapter 0460-05: Rule 0460-05-.03,(b) 9; General Rules Governing Schools, Programs and Courses for Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Registered Dental Assistants: The students must be informed that any conviction must be explained to the Board of Dentistry with their application for registration and that all court documents regarding any conviction must be submitted. The Board of Dentistry reviews all court documents required to be submitted with the application for registration, and they may deny registration or require an appearance before the Board before deciding to issue or deny the registration.
https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0460/0460-05.20170501.pdf