A new Arizona law is expanding career paths in dental care, but Arizona School of Dental Assisting, ASDA, offers a 12 week dental assisting program, not Oral Preventive Assistant, OPA, training. The original article discusses the new OPA role and says dental assistants who want to become OPAs must complete a separate board approved 120 hour program and meet other certification requirements.
ASDA’s role is to prepare students for entry into the dental field through its 12 week dental assisting program. The school provides foundational training in the skills and knowledge students need to begin working as dental assistants.
Under Arizona’s new law, the OPA role is a separate career pathway for qualified dental assistants who complete additional training and credentials beyond basic dental assisting education. ASDA does not offer the OPA program. Instead, ASDA offers the 12 week dental assisting program that helps students start their careers in dental assisting.
“Our curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge,” the school said in a statement. ASDA focuses on preparing students for success in dental assisting through practical education and workforce readiness.
Lisa Stevenson, ASDA’s CEO and founder, encouraged students to invest in their education and take advantage of career opportunities in the dental field.
Arizona School of Dental Assisting continues to support Arizona’s dental workforce by offering its 12 week dental assisting program, giving students a direct path into the profession.
Senate Bill 1124, signed into law on March 31, 2025, officially establishes the position of Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA)
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