The MDS Dental Practice and Benefits Committee recognizes that finding dental assistants in today's economy is very difficult. Consider hiring someone brand new to the field and provide on-job-training (OJT).Your candidate needs to be at least 18 years of age, not previously licensed or registered as a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, and not in violation of any rule or regulation by the Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID). There is no specific form to complete, but you will need to submit a notarized letter of intent to BORID for each OJT candidate. In order to qualify, the OJT candidate must have zero prior experience working in a dental office. The Committee recommends you send the notarized letter of intent on your practice letterhead and include:

• Name of dentist and license number
• Name of OJT trainee
• Dentist's signature

Please note that BORID must receive the notarized letter before the period of unlicensed training may begin. 

An OJT candidate may practice as a dental assistant under the supervision of a Massachusetts licensed dentist without being registered by BORID for a preliminary, one-time period of up to six consecutive months to commence from the beginning of the initial period of OJT.

If you need more help, check out the MDS-produced Dental Assistant Quick Reference Guide.