North Dakota Dental Assistant License
North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Notarized Application Form — Official Board application form signed in the presence of a notary. Application Forms
- Application Fee — Non-refundable fee of $155 for RDA or QDA registration.
- Autographed Photograph — A recent 2x2 inch passport-style photograph with the applicant's signature on the front or back.
- CPR/BLS Certification — Proof of current CPR or BLS certification with a hands-on training component.
- DANB Certification/Exam Scores — Official verification of passing DANB exams (RHS, ICE, or CDA) or graduation from a CODA-accredited program. DANB Website
- Infection Control Course Proof — Verification of completing an infection control course within two years prior to application.
How to Apply
-
Determine Registration Level ▾Identify if you qualify as a Dental Assistant (entry-level), Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA), or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) based on your education and DANB certifications.
View Requirements -
Complete Required Education or Exams ▾Complete a CODA-accredited program or pass the required DANB exams (RHS, ICE, or CDA) depending on the registration level sought.
-
Pass the ND Laws and Rules Exam ▾All applicants must pass a written examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in North Dakota within one year of application.
Laws and Rules -
Obtain CPR Certification ▾Maintain a current certificate of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) that includes a hands-on component.
-
Submit Notarized Application ▾Download and complete the appropriate application form from the Board's website. The form must be notarized and include a recent autographed 2x2 photograph.
Download Forms -
Pay Application Fee ▾Include the non-refundable application fee (typically $155 for RDA/QDA) via check or money order made payable to the NDSBDE.
Fee Schedule
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Provide a certificate from the licensing board of every jurisdiction where you are or have been licensed, certifying you are in good standing.
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Submit Proof of Employment ▾Provide evidence of at least one year of gainful and relevant employment in the practice of dental assisting prior to application.
-
Complete Continuing Education ▾Submit evidence of earning 16 hours of continuing education within the two years prior to application.
-
Pass ND Jurisprudence Exam ▾Pass the North Dakota written examination on laws and rules within one year of making application.
Laws and Rules
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
North Dakota Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
Slow Downs
Missing Notarization
▾
Applications submitted without a notary seal are considered incomplete and will be returned.
Incomplete Criminal History Disclosure
▾
Failure to disclose criminal history or provide required court documents for past offenses will delay processing significantly.
Expired CPR Certification
▾
Submitting a CPR card that is expired or from a provider that does not include hands-on testing.
Missing Infection Control Proof
▾
Applicants often forget to include proof of a recent infection control course (within 24 months).
Questions
What are the different levels of dental assistants in North Dakota?
▾
North Dakota recognizes three levels: Dental Assistant (entry-level), Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA - can take radiographs), and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA - expanded functions).
How many continuing education (CE) hours do I need?
▾
RDA and QDA registrants must complete 16 hours of CE every two years, including 2 hours of ethics/jurisprudence and 2 hours of infection control.
When does my registration expire?
▾
All dental assistant registrations expire on December 31st of every even-numbered year.
Is a background check with fingerprints required?
▾
While a criminal history disclosure is required on the application, North Dakota does not currently mandate a fingerprint-based background check for dental assistants.
Can I perform dental radiographs as a basic Dental Assistant?
▾
No. To legally operate x-ray equipment, you must be registered as a Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Board Info
Sources