Friendly Asked Questions

Friendly Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions about SCOAS are listed below.
If you want to ask a question, please contact us.

Is The Orthodontic Assisting Course Online?

The Dental Board of CA requires all assistants, regardless of licensure status, to complete in-person laboratory evaluations. There is no board approved OA program that is online.

As a student of Southern California Orthodontic Assisting school, you will forever have access to your quiz’s & tests online. This allows you to have study & reference material to prepare you for the CA State exam.

What is the minimum work experience?

If you are new to the field, you need either 6 months of work experience validated by a licensed dentist through our application or proof of completion from a dental assisting program. Although a dental assistant can start the program after just 6 months, the assistant cannot sit for the state exam until 12 months of work experience is accumulated.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! We try our very best not to let finances get in the way of advancing your career! We offer payment options with $0-$300, low interest & up to 6 months of payments. Six months 0% interest available for those who qualify!

Which courses do I need?

Regardless of current licensure status, all applicants for the Orthodontic Assistant Permit must have the following certifications:

  • 8-Hour Infection Control within 5 years recent
  • Dental Practice Act (Law & Ethics) within 5 years recent
  • Basic Life Support (CPR) with the AHA or Red Cross within 2 years recent
  • Ultrasonic Scaling, a one time course that never expires
  • Orthodontic Assistant Permit, a one time course that never expires

Can I Take This Course as an unlicensed Dental Assistant (DA)?

Yes! If you have completed a Dental Board of CA approved Dental Assisting Program, you meet the Infection Control, Dental Practice Act and Basic Life Support requirement because you accomplished those courses while enrolled in your DA program. However, you are responsible for renewing your certifications and making sure they do not expire.

You are also eligible as a DA with a minimum 6 months work experience employed with a licensed DDS; with or without completing a board-approved DA program.

Is there such thing as being "GrandFathered In"?

We have heard this many times before, so we decided to confirm with the dental board: The answer is NO, there is no such thing as being grandfathered in.

There is no exception for assistants that have held other dental licenses (RDA or RDA-EF) for any certain period of time.

Is the Orthodontic Assisting Permit a license?

Once you pass the state board exam you receive a license number. This license number is completely separate from any other license number you may already have and validated through the Breeze website just like any other license through the DBCA.