Winter 2017-18

27 nmdental.org To obtain certification in any one or all of the specialization areas, you must: • Complete training in the expanded function • Pass the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB) in that expanded function • Complete and pass the jurisprudence exam • Pass the New Mexico clinical exam The fee for licensure in an expanded function is $50 only for the initial expanded function. Additional expanded functions, even if added at a later date, do not require an additional fee. Dental assistants in New Mexico who have earned the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential are automatically qualified to apply for state certification in: • Application of topical fluoride and rubber cup coronal polishing • Pit and fissures sealants • Radiography To qualify to take the CDA examinations, candidates must either have 3,500 hours of professional experience in dental assisting OR a have completed a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)— accredited program in dental assisting. Further, candidates may qualify to become certified in expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA) if they have completed a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. In other words, the completion of a CODA-accredited program provides the foundation to serve as a dental assistant in all expanded functions in New Mexico. Dental assisting programs, in addition to consisting of the necessary curriculum in dental assisting, end in a clinical experience that provides students with critical, hands-on experience in dental assisting. There are currently 5 CODA- accredited programs in New Mexico: • Central NM Community College—Albuquerque • Dona Ana Community College—Las Cruces • Luna Community College—Las Vegas • Santa Fe Community College—Santa Fe • University of New Mexico—Gallup