How to Become an Orthodontic Assistant Permit Holder

Please review the Table of Permitted Duties for Dental Assistants, Orthodontic Assistants, Dental Sedation Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs), and Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions (RDAEFs).

All licensees are responsible for understanding and following the laws and regulations that govern their practice. Violations can result in license denial or discipline, as well as criminal prosecution. For more information, please visit the Required and Prohibited Conduct page of our website.

Requirements to Obtain an Orthodontic Assistant (OA) Permit

Submit a completed Application for Orthodontic Assistant Examination and Permit as described in the Application section below.
Pay the non-refundable application fee of $120.
Provide documentation of completing all courses listed in the Required Courses section below.
Provide evidence of completing a Basic Life Support course as described below.
Submit fingerprints by Live Scan or card for the purpose of a background check, as described in the Background Check section below.
Pass the Orthodontic Assistant Written Examination described in the Written Examination section below.

Application

Applications for Orthodontic Assistant Examination and Permit are submitted online through BreEZe. If you are a new BreEZe user, you will first need to register for a free account. When applying through your BreEZe account, select the application named Application for Orthodontic Assistant. Next, upload your pathway document and all required course certificates. Finally, make your payment and submit. Applications without payment are not considered submitted.

The Department of Consumer Affairs offers a “How To” help tutorial video for the BreEZe system. The video can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Help Tutorials.

For an optimal experience when accessing your BreEZe account, use a standard computer or laptop. All options may not be available when using a hand-held device such as a smartphone or iPad.

You may also mail in your Application for Orthodontic Assistant Examination and Permit. Include your pathway documents, a copy of all required course certificates, and a check or money order of $120 made payable to the Dental Board of California.

Required Board-Approved Courses

Submit documentation that you have completed all the required Board-approved courses listed below. A copy of a valid certificate of completion is acceptable.

Orthodontic Assistant Course.

The course hours for a student who is not an RDA and is qualifying under work experience pathway must be no less than 84 hours.
The course hours for a student who holds a valid and current RDA license must be no less than 55 hours.
The course hours for a student who holds a valid and current RDA license and who has completed a course in Ultrasonic Scaling must be no less than 51 hours.

4-hour course in Ultrasonic Scaling (completed within 5 years before the date the application is received by the Board).
2-hour course in the California Dental Practice Act (completed within 2 years before the date the application is received by the Board).
8-hour course in Infection Control (completed within 2 years before the date the application is received by the Board).
Current certification in Basic Life Support issued by the American Red Cross (ARC), the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), the American Dental Association's Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CERP) program, or the Academy of General Dentistry's Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE).

Background Check

Once your application has been processed, you will be provided with the Live Scan Request Form. Applicants must obtain a fingerprint clearance from both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You will complete a Request for Live Scan Service form and take it to a Live Scan service location. The Live Scan service location will require you to pay a fee. Your fingerprints will be taken electronically, without ink, and transmitted to the DOJ. Finally, the DOJ will send their report to the Dental Board. Usually, the report is received within seven days. There is a low rate of rejections with this method. For more information on fingerprinting, visit the Fingerprinting Information page of our website.

Application Processing Time

The standard processing time is 30 days. Upon processing, a notification will be mailed to the address indicated on the application. The notification will inform you of the status of your application. Applications submitted without all required documentation are considered deficient (incomplete).

Written Examination

Each applicant for an Orthodontic Assistant Permit must pass the Orthodontic Assistant Written Examination.

Once the Board approves your completed Application for Orthodontic Assistant Examination and Permit, you will be authorized to take the written examination. The Board will send an approval notice to your address of record which will include instructions to schedule your examination. The written examination is administered by our testing vendor Psychological Services Incorporated (PSI). PSI will mail the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) to your address of record. It is important that Exam Candidates review the Candidate Information Bulletin thoroughly for important information about acceptable clothing attire, cancellation policy, and other guidance.

IMPORTANT: The first and last name used on your application must exactly match the first and last name shown on your identification. If it does not match, you will not be admitted into the examination test center, and you will forfeit your examination fee.

The Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) contains the Examination Outline on pages 15 to 19, and lists reference materials on pages 19 and 20. The CIB is available on PSI's website at PSIEXAMS.COM. To locate the CIB once you are logged onto the home page PSIEXAMS.COM, click on I'm a Test Taker, then enter Dental Board of California into the search field, select CA Dental Board of California, then click on the Available Tests tab, CA Orthodontic Assistant Permitholder Exam, and you will find Candidate Bulletin link that is located above the Fee amount.

If you fail the exam, or miss your scheduled test date, you can contact PSI to reschedule the exam in 7–10 business days. You will not be required to make an additional submission for eligibility or to apply for re-examination.

For more information, call (916) 263-2300 or send a message to the Board.

Testing Accommodations For Licensure Candidates With Disabilities

Applicants who have a disability and need a testing accommodation to take a licensure examination can find the testing accommodation request form and information. Applicants can contact the Dental Assisting Program by sending a message to the Board or by phone at (916) 263-2300 with any questions.

Issuance of the OA Permit

After you have submitted a complete application, passed the Orthodontic Assistant Examination, obtained fingerprint clearances, and qualified for licensure, a pocket identification card and wall certificate will be issued to you. There is no additional fee for the initial issuance of the OA Permit. A person who holds a permit is subject to the continuing education requirements established by the Board pursuant to BPC section 1645 and to the renewal requirements of BPC sections 1715 et seq. A permit holder is also responsible for obtaining recertification in BLS as part of permit renewal.