Alabama Dental Assistant License
Alabama Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of secondary education completion is required for most training programs and the DANB exam.
- Radiography Course Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a 6-hour Board-approved radiography course.
- DANB RHS Exam Results — Official passing score report from the Dental Assisting National Board.
- CPR/BLS Certification — Current certification card from an in-person training provider like the American Heart Association.
How to Apply
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Employment and Basic Training ▾Alabama does not require a license or registration for basic dental assisting. You may begin working under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist immediately.
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Complete Radiography Course ▾To expose dental X-rays, you must complete a 6-hour Board-approved course in dental radiography.
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Pass DANB RHS Exam ▾Register for and pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
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Obtain Radiography Certificate ▾Upon completion of the course and exam, you will receive a Dental Radiography Certificate. Ensure your employer keeps a copy on file as required by the Board.
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Maintain CPR Certification ▾While not a state license requirement for basic DAs, most employers require current CPR/BLS certification from an in-person course (AHA or Red Cross).
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Credentials ▾Alabama does not have a formal reciprocity process for dental assistants as there is no state license. You must meet the radiography requirements (6-hour course + DANB RHS) regardless of prior state status.
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Submit Proof of Training ▾If you have already passed the DANB RHS exam in another state, you may only need to complete the Alabama-specific 6-hour radiography course.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Compact
No
Board
Alabama Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Alabama Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 1 year. Contact the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Online CPR Courses
▾
The Board and most employers do not accept online-only CPR certifications; the course must include an in-person skills assessment.
Incomplete Radiography Training
▾
Failing to complete both the 6-hour course and the DANB RHS exam will prevent you from legally taking X-rays.
Employer Verification
▾
Delays often occur when the supervising dentist does not properly document or verify the assistant's training certificates.
Questions
Do I need a license to be a dental assistant in Alabama?
▾
No. Alabama does not license or register dental assistants. You work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
What is required to take X-rays in Alabama?
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You must complete a 6-hour Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for dental assistants?
▾
No, there are no state-mandated CE requirements for dental assistants in Alabama.
What is an EFDA in Alabama?
▾
The official 'Expanded Duty Dental Assistant' license category was abolished by the Board in 2018. However, assistants may still perform expanded duties under direct supervision if they have appropriate training.
How do I verify a dental assistant's status?
▾
Since they are not licensed, they will not appear in the Board's licensee lookup. You must verify their training certificates (Radiography, CPR) directly with the individual.
Board Info
Alabama Board of Dental Examiners (no individual DA license)
Phone(205) 985-7267
Sources