Texas Dental Assistant License
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$48
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- NPDB Self-Query Report — A self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. It must remain in its original sealed envelope. Request NPDB Report
- RDA Course Completion Certificate — Proof of passing a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course and exam.
- Human Trafficking Certificate — Certificate of completion from an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course.
- BLS CPR Card — Copy of a current hands-on Basic Life Support certification card.
- Proof of Education — Copy of high school diploma, GED, or official transcripts.
- Government Issued ID — Copy of a valid driver's license, passport, or naturalization papers.
How to Apply
-
Complete Approved RDA Course ▾Successfully complete a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course and examination covering Radiology, Infection Control, and Jurisprudence.
View Approved Providers -
Complete Human Trafficking Training ▾Complete a course in human trafficking prevention approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
-
Obtain BLS CPR Certification ▾Complete a current, hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) course. Online-only courses are not accepted.
-
Submit Online Application ▾Create an account on the Online Licensing System and submit the 'Initial Dental Assistant by Exam' application.
Apply Online -
Complete Fingerprinting ▾After submitting your application, wait for an email with instructions and a service code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO.
-
Mail Required Documents ▾Mail physical copies of your application summary, payment receipt, and the sealed NPDB self-query report to the TSBDE office.
Mailing Instructions
Total Fee
$48
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify DANB CDA Status ▾If you hold a current DANB CDA, you may bypass the Texas RDA course but must still pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment.
DANB Website -
Take Jurisprudence Assessment ▾Complete the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment if using the DANB CDA pathway or if your RDA course was taken over a year ago.
Jurisprudence Assessment -
Request License Verifications ▾Obtain official license verifications from every state or jurisdiction where you have ever held a dental assistant permit or registration.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Apply through the online portal using the 'Initial Dental Assistant by Exam' path, selecting the DANB credential option.
Online Portal
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Compact
No
Board
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Texas Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 1 year. Contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $48 |
| Endorsement application | $48 |
Slow Downs
Opened NPDB Envelope
▾
The NPDB report must be submitted in the original, unopened, sealed envelope. If opened, it is void and will delay the application.
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Scheduling a fingerprint session before the application is officially on file with TSBDE results in the board not receiving the data.
Online-Only CPR
▾
TSBDE requires a hands-on component for BLS CPR. Certificates from 100% online courses are frequently rejected.
Incomplete Document Mailing
▾
Failing to mail the physical documents (like the NPDB report) after submitting the online portion will stall the process indefinitely.
Questions
Can I take X-rays before I am registered?
▾
A dental assistant hired for the first time may take X-rays for up to 12 months from their hire date without registration, provided they are under direct supervision.
How long does the application process take?
▾
The estimated processing time is 3-4 weeks once all documents, including fingerprint results, are received by the board.
How many CE hours do I need for renewal?
▾
Registered Dental Assistants must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 6 hours of clinical CE and a human trafficking course.
Is there a grace period for license renewal?
▾
No. There is no grace period. If you do not renew by midnight on your expiration date, you must pay late fees to practice legally.
Board Info
Sources