Applying for Certification
Click here to complete the application for Dental Health Aide certification.
Certification Agreement
Dental Health Aide (DHA) certification includes an agreement between the DHA, their employer, and their supervising dentist. DHAs, employers, and supervising dentists are responsible for knowledge of all the Standards and Procedures pertaining to their discipline.
Levels of Practice
There are seven levels of practice for which a Dental Health Aide (DHA) may be certified:
- Primary Dental Health Aide I (PDHA I)
- Primary Dental Health Aide II (PDHA II)
- Expanded Function Dental Health Aide I (EFDHA I)
- Expanded Function Dental Health Aide II (EFDHA II)
- Dental Health Aide Hygienist (DHAH)
- Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT)
- Dental Health Aide Therapist Practitioner (DHATP)
Requirements
Each level of practice requires specific training, preceptorship, and standing orders. It is the responsibility of the DHA to maintain records that they have met the requirements for certification. The preceptorship checklists and procedures logs required to complete the application are available at DHA Resources.
Certification Term
Certifications are issued for a two-year period. If a DHA no longer meets the requirements of initial certification during the two-year term, their certification may be inactivated. An inactivated certification may be reactivated upon written notification to CHAPCB that the DHA again meets the requirements of initial certification.
Renewal
To maintain an active certification, prior to the expiration date, DHAs must apply for renewal. Requirements for renewal are continued demonstration of competency in the key skill areas and completion of continuing education requirements. More information is available at DHA Resources and DHA Continuing Education.