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Florida Dental Assistant License

Florida Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Form DH-MQA 1202 — The official Dental Radiography Certification Application form.
  • Proof of Course Completion — Certificate from a Board-approved radiography training program completed within 12 months of OJT.
  • Dentist Certification of OJT — Verification signed by a Florida-licensed dentist confirming 3 months of continuous on-the-job training.
  • Livescan TCN — The Transaction Control Number provided by the fingerprinting vendor to track background check results.

How to Apply

  1. Complete On-the-Job Training (OJT)
    Complete at least 3 months of continuous on-the-job training in positioning and exposing dental radiographs under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed dentist.
    View Radiographer Requirements
  2. Complete Board-Approved Course
    Successfully complete a Florida Board of Dentistry approved radiography course within 12 months of completing your on-the-job training.
    Find Approved Programs
  3. Complete Background Screening
    Undergo a Level 2 background screening including electronic fingerprinting through an approved Livescan provider using ORI number EDOH4560Z.
    Fingerprinting Instructions
  4. Submit Application
    Apply online through the MQA Services Portal or mail the paper application (Form DH-MQA 1202) to the Board.
  5. Pay Application Fee
    Submit the non-refundable $35 application fee via the online portal or by check/money order if applying by mail.
    Fee Details
  6. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Provide proof of course completion and the supervising dentist's certification of your 3 months of experience.
Total Fee
$35
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Florida Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. No Direct Reciprocity
    Florida does not recognize out-of-state dental assistant licenses or DANB CDA credentials for state certification. All applicants must follow the standard Florida certification path.
  2. Verify Florida OJT
    Even if experienced out-of-state, you must complete 3 months of OJT under a Florida-licensed dentist or have graduated from a CODA-accredited program.
    Review Requirements
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Florida Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$35
Endorsement application$35

Slow Downs

Incorrect ORI Number
Using the wrong Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) during fingerprinting prevents the Board from receiving results. Ensure you use EDOH4560Z.
OJT and Course Timing
The Board-approved course must be completed within 12 months *after* the 3 months of on-the-job training. Courses taken too early or too late will not be accepted.
Incomplete Background Check
Failure to complete the Level 2 screening before submitting the application will stall the process until results are received.

Questions

Does Florida license dental assistants?
No. Florida does not issue a general dental assistant license. It only issues certifications for Dental Radiographers and requires certificates for Expanded Functions (EFDA).
Is the DANB CDA credential accepted in Florida?
No. As of May 2009, the DANB CDA is no longer a recognized pathway for expanded functions in Florida. Assistants must complete a Florida Board-approved course.
What are the CE requirements for Dental Radiographers?
Certified Dental Radiographers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including 1 hour of HIV/AIDS training.
How much does the Radiography certification cost?
The application fee is $35. This does not include the cost of the required training course or background screening fees.

Board Info

Florida Board of Dentistry
Sources
State statutes