Georgia Dental Assistant License
Georgia Board of Dentistry
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of basic education required for enrollment in expanded duties courses.
- CPR Certification — Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification from a provider such as the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
- Proof of Prerequisites — A letter from a supervising dentist confirming 6 months of experience, a diploma from an accredited program, or a current DANB CDA card.
- Expanded Duties Certificate — The certificate issued by a Board-approved provider upon completion of training.
How to Apply
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Verify Eligibility for Expanded Duties ▾To perform expanded duties, you must have a high school diploma or GED, current CPR certification, and meet one of three prerequisites: 6 months of full-time chairside experience, graduation from an accredited dental assisting program, or a current DANB CDA certification.
View Dental Assistant FAQs -
Complete Radiography Training ▾If you intend to take X-rays, you must complete at least 6 hours of Board-approved radiation safety instruction. This training must be initiated within 30 days of hire and completed within 90 days.
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Enroll in an Approved Expanded Duties Course ▾Select a training provider from the Board's approved list to complete the required coursework for specific expanded functions (e.g., coronal polishing, sealants). Each duty requires a minimum of 4 hours of instruction.
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Pass Competency Examinations ▾Successfully complete the written and clinical competency examinations administered by your chosen Board-approved training provider.
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Obtain and Maintain Certificates ▾Once you receive your certificate(s) of completion from the training provider, you must provide copies to your employer. The Georgia Board of Dentistry does not issue these certificates directly.
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Maintain On-Site Documentation ▾Georgia law requires that your employer keep copies of your Expanded Duty and Radiography certificates readily available in the dental office for inspection.
Review Board Rules
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Georgia Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Training ▾If you are moving to Georgia with expanded duties training from another state, you must verify if your previous program is recognized by the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
Contact Board for Verification -
Complete Georgia-Specific Training ▾If your previous training is not recognized, you must enroll in a Georgia Board-approved course to perform expanded duties in the state.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (for Radiology Certificate)
Compact
No
Board
Georgia Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Georgia Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (for Radiology Certificate). Contact the Georgia Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Insufficient Chairside Experience
▾
Applicants often attempt to enroll in expanded duties courses before completing the required 6 months of continuous employment.
Expired CPR Certification
▾
Training providers will not allow participation in clinical portions of the course without a valid, current CPR card.
Radiography Deadline Missed
▾
Failure to complete the 6-hour radiation safety course within the 90-day post-hire window can lead to compliance issues for the dental office.
Questions
Does Georgia require a license for dental assistants?
▾
No, Georgia does not license or register basic dental assistants. However, to perform 'Expanded Duties,' you must obtain a certificate from a Board-approved training program.
Can I take X-rays immediately after being hired?
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You may begin training within 30 days of hire but must complete a minimum of 6 hours of approved radiation safety instruction within 90 days to legally operate X-ray equipment.
How do I verify a dental assistant's 'license' in Georgia?
▾
There is no state-level license to verify. You must verify their status by reviewing the original certificates of completion for Expanded Duties or Radiography kept on file at their place of employment.
What duties are considered 'Expanded' in Georgia?
▾
Expanded duties include tasks such as coronal polishing, applying sealants, monitoring nitrous oxide, and fabricating temporary crowns. These require specific certification beyond basic assisting.
Board Info
Georgia Board of Dentistry
Phone(404) 424-9966
Sources
State statutes