(a)
On and after January 1, 2010, the board may license as a registered dental assistant in extended functions a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the board, of all of the following eligibility requirements:
(1)
Current licensure as a registered dental assistant or completion of the requirements for licensure as a registered dental assistant.
(2)
Successful completion of a board-approved course in the application of pit and fissure sealants.
(3)
Successful completion of either of the following:
(A)
An extended functions postsecondary program approved by the board in all of the procedures specified in Section 1753.5.
(B)
An extended functions postsecondary program approved by the board to teach the duties that registered dental assistants in extended functions were allowed to perform pursuant to board regulations prior to January 1, 2010, and a course approved by the board in the procedures specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (7) to (11), inclusive, of subdivision (b) of Section 1753.5.
(4)
Passage of a written examination and a clinical or practical examination administered by the board. The board shall designate whether the written examination shall be administered by the board or by the board-approved extended functions program.
(b)
A registered dental assistant in extended functions may apply for an orthodontic assistant permit or a dental sedation assistant permit, or both, by providing written evidence of the following:
(1)
Successful completion of a board-approved orthodontic assistant or dental sedation assistant course, as applicable.
(2)
Passage of a written examination administered by the board that shall encompass the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to competently perform the duties of the particular permit.
(c)
A registered dental assistant in extended functions with permits in either orthodontic assisting or dental sedation assisting shall be referred to as an “RDAEF with orthodontic assistant permit,” or “RDAEF with dental sedation assistant permit,” as applicable. These terms shall be used for reference purposes only and do not create additional categories of licensure.
(d)
Completion of the continuing education requirements established by the board pursuant to Section 1645 by a registered dental assistant in extended functions who also holds a permit as an orthodontic assistant or dental sedation assistant shall fulfill the continuing education requirement for such permit or permits.