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New Jersey Dental Assistant License

New Jersey State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • DANB CDA Certification — Official proof of passing the DANB Certified Dental Assistant examination.
  • Education or Employment Verification — Official transcripts from a CODA-accredited program or the Board's Verification of Employment form documenting 2 years of experience.
  • Jurisprudence Orientation Certificate — Certificate of completion from the online NJ Jurisprudence orientation.
  • Passport-Style Photograph — A clear, full-face 2x2 passport-style photo taken within the past six months.

How to Apply

  1. Pass the DANB CDA Exam ▾
    Successfully complete the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) within 10 years of application.
  2. Meet Education or Experience Requirements ▾
    Either graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program within the last 10 years, or complete 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years and pass the NJ Expanded Duties General (NJXDG) exam.
  3. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account and submit your application for Dental Assistant Registration through the NJ MyLicense portal. Pay the $35 non-refundable application fee.
    NJ MyLicense Portal
  4. Complete NJ Jurisprudence Orientation ▾
    Complete the mandatory online New Jersey Jurisprudence orientation program within six months of your application date.
    Jurisprudence Orientation
  5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check ▾
    After applying, you will receive instructions and a service code to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  6. Pay Initial Registration Fee ▾
    Once the Board approves your application, you will be notified to pay the initial registration fee ($90 or $45 depending on the renewal cycle) to receive your license.
    Pay Registration Fee
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request a certification of good standing from every state board where you hold or have held a dental assistant registration.
  2. Submit NJ Application ▾
    Apply via the MyLicense portal, selecting the registration by credentials/endorsement path if available, or the standard RDA path.
    NJ MyLicense Portal
  3. Complete NJ Specific Requirements ▾
    Even if licensed elsewhere, you must complete the NJ Jurisprudence Orientation and the NJ criminal history background check.
    NJ Orientation
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Jersey State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal history checks can take several weeks. Delays often occur if the applicant uses the wrong service code or fails to schedule the appointment promptly.
Incomplete Employment Verification ▾
For those applying via the experience pathway, failing to have employers properly sign and return the Verification of Employment form is a common bottleneck.
Missing DANB Proof ▾
The Board requires direct verification of DANB exam results; failing to ensure these are sent to the Board will stall the application.

Questions

Do I need a separate license to take X-rays in New Jersey? ▾
Yes. Dental Assistants must obtain a Dental Radiologic Technologist (DRT) license from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to perform radiography.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) must complete 10 credit hours every two years, including 6 mandatory hours in CPR, Ethics/NJ Law, Opioids, and Infection Control.
Can I work as a Dental Assistant without a registration? ▾
You can work as an 'Unregistered Dental Assistant' performing basic duties, but you cannot perform expanded functions (like placing temporary restorations) without being an RDA.
How long is the NJ Jurisprudence Orientation certificate valid? ▾
The orientation must have been completed within six months prior to the date of your application.

Board Info

New Jersey State Board of Dentistry
Phone(973) 504-6405
Sources