To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Florida, a dental assistant must meet the requirements shown below.
A dental assistant must have either of these qualifications:
1. Graduate from a Florida Board of Dentistry-approved dental assisting school or program, (Academy for Dental Assistants)
OR
2. Be state-certified as a dental radiographer by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
To obtain this certification as a dental assistant, one must achieve the following qualifications:
(a) Successfully complete at least three months of continuous on-the-job training in the exposing of radiographs under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed dentist, AND
(b) Successfully complete a Florida Board-approved radiology course within 12 months of completing on-the-job training, (Academy for Dental Assistants)
AND
(c) Apply to the FDOH for certification.