In Pennsylvania, there are 9,580 licensed dental assistants. The Board of Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania is in charge of setting rules for licensing dental professionals.
The Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry (PA) was made to make sure that all dental assistants and dental hygienists meet the minimum safety standards. Working in these fields in Pennsylvania is a privilege, so professionals have to be watched closely to make sure they’re doing their jobs safely.
In this write-up, we’ll discuss how you can secure, verify, and renew your license with the PA Board of Dental Assistants. And we’ll also tell you how you can utilize Heartbeat AI to complete these procedures flawlessly.
What’s on this page:
Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants: At A Glance
The Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants manages different dentistry professionals and educational programs in the state. Its responsibilities involve regulating dental assistants and overseeing their certification. This organization also ensures the quality of dental assisting programs and maintains standards for related healthcare roles.
Contact Information
- Address: 2601 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
- Phone: 717-783-7162
- Website: Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry
What is the Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants Responsible for?
The Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants is in charge of looking after dental assistants in the state. They make sure dental assistants are properly trained and certified to work.
Let’s take a quick look at the board’s responsibilities.
- Licensing: They ensure dental assistants are properly trained and certified before they start working.
- Standards and Regulations: The board sets rules that dental assistants must follow to provide safe and effective care to patients.
- Education Programs: They approve and monitor educational programs for dental assistants to make sure they meet the required standards.
- Professional Conduct: The board oversees the behavior and practices of dental assistants, ensuring they work ethically and professionally.
- Public Safety: They protect the public by making sure dental assistants are qualified and by taking action if someone is not following the rules.
Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License Lookup
The Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants offers an online service for verifying the licenses of dental healthcare professionals. Through this website, you can find information on individual and group licenses managed by the board, including any disciplinary actions taken.
For those seeking specific details about a Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants license, a dedicated system is in place. This system enables you to search for information like the individual’s name, license number, role, type of license, current status, and location.
For an easier Pennsylvania Dental Assistants License lookup, Heartbeat AI offers a user-friendly option. It’s designed to help you quickly check the qualifications of dental assistant staff in the state.
Are You Eligible for a Pennsylvania Dental Assistants License?
To work as a dental assistant in Pennsylvania, you have to be 18 years old or older and must have the legal right to work in the United States. Also, to pass a background check.
Another important requirement is to know how to safely handle X-ray equipment. To get this knowledge, you’ll need to pass an exam called the Radiation Health and Safety examination. This test has multiple-choice questions about keeping things clean, making sure patients and workers are safe, and checking that the X-ray equipment works right. The exam costs $250 and you can take it at Pearson VUE centers, where they use computers for testing.
Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License Requirements
Here’s the list of requirements for getting a PA Board of Dental Assistants License.
- Graduate from a Board-approved Dental Assistant program with an Associate Degree. Or, graduate from a dental hygiene school with at least 75 hours in restorative functions, accredited by CODA.
- Pass a Board-approved written exam.
- Gained through program completion.
- 3 hours training in child abuse for initial license.
- 10 hours for renewal, including successful completion of 2 hours on child abuse recognition/reporting.
How to Get a Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License
To get a license with the Board of Dental Assistants Pennsylvania, follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete Your Dental Education
First, enroll in and finish a dental assistant program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This is important because it gives you the basic knowledge and skills for dental assisting.
Step 2: Pass Exams
After your education, you need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams. These exams test your understanding of dental care, safety, and hands-on skills.
Step 3: Get CPR Certified
Make sure you have completed a current CPR certification program from a recognized provider. This certification should be valid when you apply for your license.
Step 4: Submit the Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License Application
Now, you can fill out the application for a dental assistant license with the Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry. This step involves completing an application form, providing proof of your education, exam scores, and CPR certification, and paying any necessary fees. You might also need to pass a background check.
Step 5: Pass the Pennsylvania Jurisprudence Exam
You’ll also need to pass a state-specific exam about the laws and rules of dental practice in Pennsylvania. This ensures you understand your legal duties as a dental assistant.
Step 6: Attend a Board Meeting (If Required)
In some cases, you might need to go to a meeting of the Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry to get your license officially issued. This depends on the board’s current rules, so check the latest requirements.
Pennsylvania Dental Assistants Board Licensure Time Frame
In Pennsylvania, the board reviews medical license applications in the order they receive them. Usually, the whole process to get your medical license takes about four to five months. If you have a history of legal issues, such as malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, or arrests, it might take longer to get your license.
Therefore, while applying for the licensure, make sure you’re doing all the paperwork by book and keep your history as clean as possible. This way, becoming a licensed dental assistant will be much easier for you.
Cost of Pennsylvania Dental Assistants Board License
Dental hygienists will pay fees that range from $140 to $168, depending on the specific service or requirement. For those working as expanded function dental assistants, the fees start at $110 and can go up to $132.
If you’re involved in providing anesthesia services without any restrictions, you’ll need to pay between $150 and $180. This fee range is the same for both types of restricted anesthesia services (I and II), but for restricted II anesthesia, the fees are a bit lower, ranging from $65 to $78.
For the dental hygienist qualified to give local anesthesia, the fees will be between $50 and $60. Public health dental hygienist practitioners have fees that start at $80 and go up to $95. For those running or involved in expanded function dental assistant education programs, the fees are higher, starting at $315 and going up to $378.
If you need a restricted faculty license, expect to pay between $235 and $282. Lastly, for licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants seeking criteria approval for their practices, the fees range from $140 to $282, depending on their specific role.
Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License Renewal
Renewing your dental assistant license in Pennsylvania is an important step to make sure you can keep working safely and legally. Here’s a simple guide to help you do it:
Step 1: Go to the Website
Visit the official website of the Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry. Look for the section about renewing licenses for dental assistants. Here, you’ll find all the specific steps and any new updates.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
Complete the renewal form with all the required information. Be sure to fill it out correctly, including your personal information, license number, and proof of your CE.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
There’s a fee to renew your license. You’ll find out how much it is and how to pay it on the Board’s website or the renewal form. You might be able to pay with a credit card, check, or money order.
Step 4: Send Your Application
Once your form is filled out and you’ve attached any needed documents, send in your renewal application. The website will tell you how you can do it online or by mail.
Step 5: Wait for Your New License
After your application is processed and approved, you’ll get your updated license. It might take some time, so it’s smart to renew your license well before the old one expires. Watch for any messages from the Board about your renewal status.
Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants License Verification
Checking a dental assistant’s license in Pennsylvania is important for making sure they have the right qualifications and can safely work with patients. Here’s an easy guide to help you look up a license status:
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
First, head over to the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine’s official website. This website has a special section for professionals, where you can find what you need to check a license.
Step 2: Look for the License Check Section
Find a part of the website that says “License Verification”, “Licensee Search”, or “Verify a License”. This part is made just to see if dental professionals, like dental assistants, have valid licenses.
Step 3: Enter the Dental Assistant’s Details
In the license verification area, you’ll need to put in some details about the dental assistant whose license you want to check. This might be their full name, license number, or other specific information. Make sure to enter this information correctly.
Step 4: Search for the Info
After you’ve entered the dental assistant’s details, press the search button. The website will then show you whether the dental assistant has a current license. It will tell you the type of license they have, if it’s active, expired, or suspended, and when it expires.
How Often Do Dental Assistants Licenses Need to be Renewed in Pennsylvania?
Licenses and certificates of dental assistants need to be renewed every two years, starting from April 1 of every year that has an odd number. The cost to renew for these two years is decided by the Board, but currently, the amount is set at $310.
To renew your license, you need to complete 10 hours of extra learning. Out of these 10 hours, 2 hours must be in a special program approved by the Board that teaches you how to recognize and report child abuse.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dental Assistants License in Pennsylvania?
Heartbeat AI is a tool that doesn’t directly help you get a license but is very helpful for dental assistants and other healthcare workers. Our platform provides reliable information on the dental assistants active in the US. Hence, you can contact these professionals for any licensing information you need.
Here’s a quick look at what Heartbeat does.
Provides Reliable Contact Details
Heartbeat AI has a huge database with information on over 11 million healthcare professionals, gathered from 200+ reliable data partners. It makes sure the contact details like phone numbers and email addresses are up-to-date and correct, with a high accuracy rate.
Makes Connection Easier
With the Prospector Tool, users can easily search for healthcare professionals by where they are located, what their specialty is, and how much experience they have.
Fast Access to Information
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension lets users quickly get important information on medical websites. Just by clicking once, users can see important details right away without having to leave the website they’re on.
Has Budget-friendly Pricing
Heartbeat AI offers a variety of pricing plans, making it affordable for different types of medical organizations, big or small.
Conclusion
In summary, the Pennsylvania Board of Dental Assistants is very important for keeping healthcare quality high in Pennsylvania. It helps make sure that only the right people, who are fully qualified, are looking after your teeth.
If you’re trying to get or renew your dental assistant license, knowing what steps to take and when is important. Being ready, whether it’s your first time applying or you’re renewing, matters a lot. Tools like Heartbeat AI can make all of this much simpler for you.
FAQs
What should I do if my dental assistant license has expired in Pennsylvania?
If your license has expired, you’ll need to contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry for information on the reinstatement process. The procedure may include additional fees, continuing education, and other education requirements.
Can I perform expanded functions as a dental assistant in Pennsylvania?
Yes, dental assistants can perform expanded functions in Pennsylvania if they have completed an approved Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) program and obtained the necessary certification.
How do I file a complaint against a dental assistant in Pennsylvania?
Complaints can be filed with the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. The Board’s website provides information on the complaint process and how to submit a complaint.
