Welcome to the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries

Educational Programs and Courses

The Committee on Dental Auxiliaries (COMDA) performs on-site evaluations and extensive curriculum evaluations of Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) educational programs that are seeking approval from the Dental Board, as well as those that have been granted approval in the past.

In addition, COMDA reviews pit and fissure sealant and ultrasonic scaler courses for approval by the Board, which currently licensed RDAs must complete prior to performing such duties.

All dental personnel are required to take a Board-approved radiation safety course prior to the exposure of x-rays on patients.

Radiation safety programs located outside of California are not eligible for approval.

In addition, all RDA applicants must provide proof of completing both an approved radiation safety course and a coronal polishing course in order to become licensed, and all existing RDAs who have not already completed such courses must do so by January 1, 2006.

NOTE: Due to the number of course and program applications being received, it can take 6 months or more at this time for an application to be reviewed and heard at a Board meeting. Check the Meetings page for upcoming meeting dates.

Approved providers

For specific questions about the program approval process, e-mail lorie_kiley@dca.ca.gov.

View accredited RDH schools in California.

RDA Educational Programs (RDA licensure applicants) - To obtain an RDA license, an applicant must either complete 12 months (1,560 hours) of satisfactory work experience, or successfully complete a Board-approved RDA Educational Program.

NOTE: Proof of completion of an unapproved Dental Assisting course along with 1,024 hours of documented work experience will provide eligibility to sit for the EDA examinations.

Our web site contains the regulations governing the approval of RDA educational programs and courses.

Applications for provider approval

Application for RDA Program approval by COMDA and the Dental Board of California. RDA Program Application under revision, and will be available shortly.

Application for RDA Radiation Safety course approval by COMDA and the Dental Board of California.

Application for RDA Coronal Polishing course approval by COMDA and the Dental Board of California.

Application for RDA Pit and Fissure Sealant course approval by COMDA and the Dental Board of California.

Application for RDA Ultrasonic Scaling course approval by COMDA and the Dental Board of California.