New Mexico Dental Assistant License
New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- DANB Exam Results — Official proof of passing the RHS, CP, TF, or SE exams as applicable. DANB Results
- Clinical Practice Affidavit — A signed form from a supervising dentist verifying clinical competency in expanded functions.
- Jurisprudence Exam — Completed take-home exam on New Mexico dental regulations.
- CPR/BLS Certification — Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification from an approved provider (AHA or Red Cross).
- High School Diploma — Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
How to Apply
-
Create an NM-PLUS Account ▾Register for an account on the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) online portal to begin your application.
NM-PLUS Portal -
Complete Required Training and Exams ▾Complete a board-approved course or independent study for specific certifications (Radiography, Coronal Polishing, etc.) and pass the corresponding DANB exams.
DANB Exams -
Submit Background Check ▾Register with IdentoGO for a criminal history background check. You will need the specific ORI code for the Dental Board (NM920150Z) or follow instructions in the portal.
IdentoGO New Mexico -
Complete the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Download and complete the take-home jurisprudence exam covering New Mexico dental laws and rules. A score of 75% or higher is required.
-
Upload Required Affidavits ▾Upload clinical practice affidavits signed by your supervising dentist for expanded functions like Coronal Polishing or Pit & Fissure Sealants.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee ($50 for Dental Assistant, $100 for EFDA) through the online portal.
Pay Fees
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Provide verification of a current, valid dental assistant certificate from another state with equivalent requirements.
-
Submit NM Application ▾Apply via the NM-PLUS portal selecting the 'Credential' or 'Endorsement' pathway.
NM-PLUS Portal -
Pass NM Jurisprudence Exam ▾Even if licensed elsewhere, you must pass the New Mexico-specific jurisprudence exam.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (even-numbered years)
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (even-numbered years). Contact the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Background Check
▾
Fingerprints submitted more than 90 days before the application or using the wrong ORI code will cause significant delays.
Missing Affidavits
▾
Failure to upload the specific clinical practice affidavits signed by a dentist for expanded functions will stall the review process.
Expired CPR Certification
▾
Submitting an application with an expired or online-only (no hands-on) CPR card is a common reason for rejection.
Questions
Do I need a license for basic dental assisting in New Mexico?
▾
No, entry-level dental assistants performing basic duties under direct supervision do not require state certification, but they must have CPR and infection control training.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Certified dental assistants must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years, including 3 hours in radiography and 1 hour in infection control.
Can I take the jurisprudence exam online?
▾
The jurisprudence exam is typically a take-home, open-book exam that is submitted as part of the application packet.
What is the fee for an EFDA certification?
▾
The initial application fee for an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) is $100.
Board Info
Sources