Delaware — Rehoboth Beach at golden hour

Delaware Dental Assistant License

Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Form ORC-R16N — Official application for state radiography certification based on national credentials or exams. Access Form
  • Proof of National Credential or Exam — Copy of current DANB CDA certificate or official final DANB RHS exam results.
  • Application Fee — $50.00 check or money order made payable to 'Delaware Office of Radiation Control'.
  • Proof of Name Change — If your name has changed since your last certificate or differs from your exam results, provide a copy of a marriage license or court order.

How to Apply

  1. Meet Age Requirement
    You must be at least 18 years of age to be qualified to perform dental radiography in Delaware.
  2. Pass Required Examination
    Successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or hold a current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
  3. Complete Application Form
    Download and complete Form ORC-R16N (Application for Radiography Certificate - National Credential or Examination).
    Download Form ORC-R16N
  4. Prepare Supporting Documents
    Gather proof of your national credential (CDA) or official final test results from the DANB RHS exam.
  5. Submit Application and Fee
    Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and a $50.00 check or money order (payable to 'Delaware Office of Radiation Control') to the Office of Radiation Control in Dover.
    View Mailing Address
  6. Verify Certification
    Once processed (typically 3 weeks), verify your name appears on the official Radiation Technologist/Technician Certification Status registry.
    Search Registry PDF
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify National Credential
    Delaware does not have reciprocity with other states but recognizes national credentials like the DANB CDA.
  2. Submit Standard Application
    Out-of-state applicants must follow the standard application process using Form ORC-R16N and providing proof of their national credential.
    Application Info
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

Keeping Your License Active

Delaware Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250

Slow Downs

Incomplete Application
Missing signatures or failing to check the specific certificate type will result in the application being returned.
Incorrect Payment Method
The Office of Radiation Control does not accept cash or credit cards; only checks or money orders are accepted.
Preliminary Test Results
Submitting preliminary or unofficial exam results instead of the final official report from DANB will cause the application to be rejected.

Questions

Does Delaware license general dental assistants?
No. Delaware does not license or register dental assistants for general duties. Only those performing radiography must be certified as Dental Radiation Technicians by the Office of Radiation Control.
How long is the Delaware Dental Radiation Technician certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for a term of 4 years.
Does Delaware recognize radiography certificates from other states?
No. Delaware does not recognize other states' certificates. You must meet Delaware's specific requirements, which usually involve holding a national DANB credential or passing the DANB RHS exam.
What is the minimum age to perform X-rays in a dental office?
You must be at least 18 years of age to perform dental radiography in Delaware.
Who regulates dental assistants in Delaware?
General duties are overseen by the supervising dentist under the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, but radiography certification is regulated by the Office of Radiation Control (ORC).

Board Info

Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
Sources
State statutes