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Pennsylvania Dental Assistant License

Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your EFDA educational program to the State Board of Dentistry.
  • Certification of EFDA Education Form — A specific Board form completed by your school official and submitted in a sealed envelope. Download Forms
  • Proof of Professional Liability Insurance — Evidence of coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 per annual aggregate.
  • Act 31 Completion Certificate — Verification of the 3-hour child abuse recognition and reporting course.
  • Criminal History Check — A Pennsylvania State Police background check (often integrated into PALS) and FBI fingerprints.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Required Education ▾
    Complete a Board-approved Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) program consisting of at least 200 hours of clinical and didactic instruction.
    View Board Approved Programs
  2. Complete Mandatory Child Abuse Training ▾
    Complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting (Act 31). The provider will report completion electronically to the Board.
  3. Submit Application via PALS ▾
    Create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and submit the 'Expanded Function Dental Assistant' application along with the required fee.
    Login to PALS
  4. Complete FBI Fingerprinting ▾
    Effective July 2025, all new applicants must obtain a fingerprint-based FBI background check. Register via IdentoGO using the service code provided in your PALS application.
    Register for Fingerprinting
  5. Register for the EFDA Examination ▾
    Once the Board approves your application, you will receive an eligibility notification to schedule your written examination through Pearson VUE.
  6. Obtain Radiology Authorization (Optional) ▾
    To legally perform X-rays, you must pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request a Letter of Good Standing from every state where you hold or have held a dental assistant or EFDA license.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via PALS for 'Certification by Endorsement' and pay the applicable fee.
    Apply via PALS
  3. Provide Proof of Equivalent Standards ▾
    Submit documentation showing that the licensure standards of your home state are substantially equivalent to Pennsylvania's requirements.
  4. Complete PA-Specific Requirements ▾
    You must still complete the Act 31 Child Abuse training and the FBI fingerprinting process.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$75
Endorsement application$75

Slow Downs

Missing Act 31 Training ▾
Applications cannot be processed until the electronic notification of Act 31 completion is received from an approved provider.
Background Check Discrepancies ▾
Out-of-state criminal history or delays in FBI fingerprint processing can stall applications for several weeks.
Incomplete School Forms ▾
The 'Certification of Education' form must be signed, sealed, and sent directly by the school; student-submitted copies are rejected.

Questions

Do I need a license to work as a basic dental assistant in PA? ▾
No. Entry-level dental assistants do not require state licensure or registration for basic duties, but they must work under the direct supervision of a dentist.
What is required to take X-rays in Pennsylvania? ▾
You must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or a Board-approved equivalent to be authorized to perform radiologic procedures.
How many CE hours are required for EFDA renewal? ▾
EFDAs must complete 10 hours of continuing education every biennial renewal period, including 2 hours of Act 31 Child Abuse training.
Is CPR certification required? ▾
Yes. You must maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved provider like the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

Board Info

Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry
Phone717-783-1400
Sources
State statutes