Iowa Dental Assistant License
Iowa Dental Board
Total Fee
$40
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Affidavit of Employment — Required for applicants who trained on the job or have out-of-state experience to verify clinical competency.
- Certification of Dental Assistant Education — Required for graduates of CODA-accredited programs to verify educational completion.
- CPR Certification — Proof of current CPR certification from a nationally recognized provider that includes a hands-on clinical component.
- Fingerprint Cards — Completed fingerprint cards for the DCI and FBI criminal history background check.
How to Apply
-
Complete Required Training ▾Work as a dental assistant trainee under the supervision of a dentist to achieve clinical competency, or graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
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Pass Board-Approved Examinations ▾Successfully complete exams in Iowa Jurisprudence and Infection Control/Hazardous Materials. If you intend to take x-rays, you must also pass a Dental Radiography exam.
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Create a Portal Account ▾Register for an account on the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) portal to begin your application.
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Submit Application and Pay Fees ▾Complete the online application for registration (RDA), radiography (XDA), or both (QDA). Pay the application fee ($40-$60) and the background check fee ($46).
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Complete Fingerprinting ▾Request a fingerprint packet from the Board or follow the instructions in the portal to complete the criminal history background check.
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Verify Registration Status ▾Once the Board reviews your documents and background check, you can verify your active status through the public search tool.
Total Fee
$40
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Iowa Dental Board for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official verification of your dental assistant license or registration from every state where you have held one.
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Provide Proof of Experience ▾Submit evidence of at least six months of dental assisting experience within the last five years.
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Pass Iowa Exams ▾Complete the Iowa Jurisprudence and Infection Control exams if not already taken through a board-approved equivalent.
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Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply through the DIAL portal and pay the required registration and background check fees.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Dental Board
Keeping Your License Active
Iowa Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Dental Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $40 |
| Endorsement application | $40 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Fingerprint cards that are smudged or incomplete can be rejected by the FBI, adding weeks to the processing time. Ensure prints are clear and black ink is used.
Missing Exam Scores
▾
If exams were not taken through a board-integrated system, failure to upload or send official score reports will stall the application.
Incomplete CPR Documentation
▾
Applications are often delayed if the CPR certification does not specify a 'hands-on' component or is expired.
Questions
Is registration required to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa?
▾
Effective July 1, 2025, registration is optional for dental assistants. However, anyone who takes x-rays must still obtain and maintain a radiography qualification (XDA or QDA).
What are the fees for dental assistant registration?
▾
The application fee is $40 for registration only, $40 for radiography only, or $60 for a combined registration and radiography qualification. A separate $46 fee is required for the background check.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Registered dental assistants must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. This must include 1 hour of infection control and 1 hour of Iowa jurisprudence. Those with radiography qualifications must also include 2 hours of dental radiography.
Can I work while I am still in training?
▾
Yes, you may work as a 'Dental Assistant Trainee' while completing your clinical competency and exam requirements under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes