NOW AVAILABLE: Funding available to qualified individuals through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® program.  Please visit the Sallie Mae website for more information. 

University-Based Orthodontic Assisting Permit Program

Jeri Fowler portrait
Jeri Fowler,CDA, RDAEF2, OA
Assistant Director, Alumni Affairs
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

COURSE INFORMATION

This 84-hour (52 hrs. at LLU laboratory/32 hrs. extern at extramural facility) course is designed to prepare RDA students to be eligible to take the written state board examination for Orthodontic Assisting Permit licensure.

The student will be able to perform practical aspects and apply classroom theory in a laboratory environment, as well as performing orthodontic chairside assisting for a private practice orthodontist or general dentist as an externship. Classroom instruction includes material science, infection control protocol, and advanced chairside assisting techniques in the orthodontic specialty. Students are prepared to perform Orthodontic Assistant duties as described in the Dental Practice Act.

This course will train you to:

  • Prepare teeth for bonding, and select, preposition, and cure orthodontic brackets after their position has been approved by the licensed dentist.
  • Remove only orthodontic brackets and attachments with removal of the bonding material by the supervising licensed dentist.
  • Size, fit, and cement orthodontic bands.
  • Remove orthodontic bands and remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument.
  • Place and ligate archwires.

Prerequisites:

  1. Current/Active Registered Dental Assistant license OR proof of 6 months experience as a dental assistant. (A letter from the employer/Dentist is required.)
  2. Proof of completion of DBC board-approved Ultrasonic Scaling course.
  3. Verification of T.B. or skin test or chest x-ray clearance within the last year.
  4. HBV vaccination clearance.
  5. Completed/current CPR in Basic Life Support (AHA or ARC).
  6. Proof of having completed a Board approved 8-hour Infection Control course (2-hour course required for licensed RDA).
  7. Proof of having completed a 2-hour Board-approved course in California Dental Practice Act.
  8. Proof of Liability Insurance coverage.
  9. Students must wear scrub-type uniform and lab coat.

2024 Schedule:

A total of ten sessions: composed of three 8-hour Sunday sessions, four 4-hour Tuesday evening sessions and three 4-hour Thursday evening sessions held at LLU School of Dentistry. *Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) need to attend first seven sessions only; Dental Assistants (DAs) need to attend all sessions.

  • January 9, 11, 14, 23, 25, 28
  • February 6, 8, 11, 20

Tuition: $1,500
Cancellations received prior to January 2, 2024 will qualify for a refund minus a $200 non-refundable charge.

NOW AVAILABLE: Funding available to qualified individuals through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® program.  Please visit the Sallie Mae website for more information.

Deposit: Half due upon registration. Remainder due January 2, 2024.

Credit: This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 84 units of continuing education.

AGD Code: 376

View a PDF flyer.

Print Registration Form

For more information email continuinged@llu.edu or call (909) 558-4685.