CPR Requirements for Dental Assistant
Yes. Most state dental boards and the DANB require dental assistants to maintain current CPR certification.
Certification Requirements
BLS or Heartsaver CPR/AED
Legal RequirementRequirements vary more than for dentists and hygienists. Many states require it, some leave it to employer policy.
State-Specific Variations
Requirements may differ from the national standard in these states.
GA
RecommendedThis is not a universal requirement for all dental assistants—only for expanded duty qualification.
View state regulationCA
RecommendedCalifornia requires registered dental assistants to maintain current CPR/AED certification as a condition of registration.
View state regulationTX
RecommendedTexas requires Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) to hold current CPR certification for initial registration. Renewal requirements vary.
View state regulationOR
RecommendedOregon Board of Dentistry requires licensed dental assistants to maintain current CPR certification.
View state regulationWA
RecommendedWashington State requires dental assistants to hold CPR certification for registration and renewal.
View state regulationMN
RecommendedMinnesota Board of Dentistry requires dental assistants to maintain CPR certification as part of licensure requirements.
View state regulationFrequently Asked Questions
Do dental assistants need CPR certification?
Yes. Most states require dental assistants to maintain CPR/AED or BLS certification as a condition of their dental assistant registration. Some states require annual renewal.
CPR Requirements for Dental Assistant by State
Select your state to see specific requirements, state overrides, and classes near you.
At a Glance
- Requirement Level
- Licensing Requirement
- Certifications Needed
- CPR/AED
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- Renewal Period
- Every 2 years
- Required By
- State Dental Board / DANB (Dental Assisting National Board)