{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"Ask.Health@tn.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Tennessee Board of Dentistry","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"615-532-3201","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Leaving questions blank or failing to sign the application will result in a deficiency letter and a 60-day deadline to correct.","title":"Incomplete Application Forms"},{"description":"Letters of recommendation must be from licensed dental professionals and must be on official letterhead with original signatures.","title":"Missing Recommendation Details"},{"description":"Using the wrong ORI or OCA code during fingerprinting prevents the board from receiving your results.","title":"Background Check Errors"},{"description":"Failing to complete the online exam after receiving the emailed link will stall the final issuance of the registration.","title":"Jurisprudence Exam Delay"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:01.780154+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Complete the standard RDA application via the LARS portal and indicate prior licensure in other states.","title":"Submit Registration Application","url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","url_label":"Start Application"},{"description":"Contact every state where you have ever held a dental license and request an official verification be sent directly to the Tennessee Board.","title":"Request License Verifications","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"If you hold certifications (e.g., Radiology) in another state, submit the curriculum and proof of completion for board review.","title":"Provide Certification Proof","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"No, Tennessee does not require formal dental assisting education for basic RDA registration, though it is required for certain expanded functions like Coronal Polishing.","question":"Do I need to attend a dental assisting school to become an RDA in Tennessee?"},{"answer":"Registered Dental Assistants must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of chemical dependency education.","question":"How many CE hours are required for renewal?"},{"answer":"You may work as a 'Practical Dental Assistant' (PDA) while receiving on-the-job training, but you cannot perform expanded functions until registered and certified.","question":"Can I work as a dental assistant before my registration is approved?"},{"answer":"Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.","question":"What is the minimum age for registration?"}],"fee_payment_url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":75.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","required_documents":[{"description":"A current full-face photograph taken within the last 12 months, signed by the applicant on the front.","name":"Passport-Style Photograph","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"A notarized form (PH-4183) with a copy of a valid ID (e.g., birth certificate or passport).","name":"Declaration of Citizenship","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Original letters from licensed dental professionals on their letterhead attesting to your good moral character.","name":"Two Letters of Recommendation","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Proof of graduation from high school or successful completion of a GED program.","name":"High School Diploma or GED","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Front and back of a current BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent card from a board-approved provider.","name":"Current CPR Card","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"tennessee-da","state_name":"Tennessee","state_slug":"tennessee","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Complete the Application for Registration as a Dental Assistant either online via the LARS portal or by mailing the paper form (PH-3166).","title":"Submit Initial Application","url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","url_label":"Apply Online"},{"description":"Pay the non-refundable application fee of $22.50 plus a $10.00 state regulatory fee (Total $32.50).","title":"Pay Application Fees","url":"https://lars.tn.gov/","url_label":"Pay Fees"},{"description":"Register with IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting. Use the specific ORI/OCA codes provided in the board's background check instructions.","title":"Complete Criminal Background Check","url":"https://www.identogo.com/locations/tennessee","url_label":"Schedule Fingerprinting"},{"description":"Upload or mail a signed passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, two letters of recommendation, high school diploma/GED, and a current CPR card.","title":"Submit Required Documentation","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"After your application is received, the Board will email you credentials to access the online, open-book Ethics and Jurisprudence exam.","title":"Pass Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. You will receive a notification once your registration is approved and added to the state registry.","title":"Wait for Board Approval","url":null,"url_label":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-05-24T09:55:08.096019+00:00","verify_license_url":null}