New RDA preceptor program from CDA assists on-the-job training, retention

Training schedule supports new pathway to RDA licensure championed by CDA; dental workforce advocacy continues
August 7, 2025
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QUICK SUMMARY: CDA has launched the Preceptor Training Program to support the new preceptorship pathway to RDA licensure that took effect July 1.  The new program includes a 20-week RDA training schedule, trainer/doctor notes with confidential forms and formatted check-in notes for recording professional observations and progress. Access the new program and learn more about the more flexible preceptor pathway to licensure.

CDA continues to advance a multi-pronged approach to stabilizing the dental workforce by advocating for practical legislative solutions and equipping dentists to immediately manage staffing challenges.

New preceptor training program builds on RDA licensure wins

CDA has launched an on-the-job resource to help member-dentists train and retain registered dental assistants. The Preceptor Training Program supports implementation of Senate Bill 1453, one of CDA’s most significant advocacy achievements of 2024. The legislation established a new preceptorship pathway to registered dental assistant licensure effective July 1. The pathway offers a more flexible option for training and licensing RDAs, helping to reduce staffing barriers without compromising the quality of care. The new program includes:

  • 20-week RDA training schedule: For tracking progress over time, including course assignments and training benchmarks.
  • Weekly trainer/doctor notes: Confidential forms for recording professional observations, documenting progress and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Discussion notes for weekly check-ins: Structured format for communication between the trainee, preceptor and supervising dentist.

The training schedule, trainer notes and check-ins are designed to be used during the practice workday and reflect the real-world dynamics of dental offices, emphasizing professional development, timely feedback and patient safety. The Preceptor Training Program is posted for members’ use in the “onboarding and training” section of CDA’s dental assistant training webpage. Additional resources to support the preceptorship licensure pathway, including detailed guides on coursework, documentation requirements and exam preparation, will be released in the coming months.

CDA advocacy continues in 2026, compliance with IC course requirement

CDA-sponsored Assembly Bill 873, which would improve flexibility in unlicensed dental assisting infection control training requirements, will continue through the legislative process in 2026. In the interim, the Dental Board of California will continue to refrain from citing practices that are unable to have new DA employees complete the eight-hour infection control course due to the board’s inability to approve a virtual format.

Employers are still responsible for ensuring that unlicensed dental assistants complete the IC course before any potential exposure to blood or saliva despite the delayed flexibility in course format, per guidance CDA issued previously.

However, if dental assistants cannot complete the course due to the board’s inability to implement a virtual course option, CDA recommends that dentist-employers document the assistant’s hire date along with the factors preventing course completion and provide an estimated timeline for course completion. If the board receives complaints or conducts an audit, compliance will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as occurs with all investigations. Dentists who hired unlicensed dental assistants after Jan. 1, 2025, may receive more leniency.

Supporting dental teams through advocacy, tools and timely updates

Whether through practical training tools or legislative advocacy, CDA remains focused on ensuring that dentists have the resources they need to build, retain and support high-performing dental teams. For updates on CDA’s advocacy efforts on this matter and other key issues affecting California dentists, visit the CDA newsroom. CDA members are encouraged to subscribe to the weekly member newsletter, Inside California Dentistry.

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