Vermont — autumn village and covered bridge

Vermont Dental Assistant License

Vermont Board of Dental Examiners

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • CPR Certification — Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification that includes a hands-on practical skills component.
  • Emergency Office Procedures Certificate — Proof of completion of a Board-approved course in emergency office procedures (minimum 2 hours).
  • DANB Certificate — Required only for Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) applicants; must show a current expiration date. DANB Website
  • Radiology Course Certificate — Required if applying for a Radiology Endorsement; must be from a CODA-accredited program.

How to Apply

  1. Determine Registration Level
    Decide whether to apply as a Traditional Dental Assistant (TDA) or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). CDAs must hold current certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
    View Application Instructions
  2. Complete Required Training
    Obtain a Healthcare Provider level CPR certification (must include a practical component) and complete a minimum 2-hour course in Emergency Office Procedures.
  3. Create OPR Online Account
    Register for an account on the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) Online Services Platform.
    Access Online Services
  4. Submit Online Application
    Log in to the portal, select 'Apply for a New License,' and complete the dental assistant registration form.
    Start Application
  5. Upload Supporting Documents
    Upload your CPR card, Emergency Office Procedures certificate, and DANB certificate (if applying for CDA).
  6. Pay Application Fee
    Pay the non-refundable application fee of $80 via the online portal.
  7. Wait for Approval
    Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. You must be registered and licensed before you begin working in a dental office.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility
    Professionals licensed in another state for at least 3 years may qualify for 'Fast Track Endorsement.'
    Endorsement Info
  2. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply through the OPR Online Services System and select the endorsement pathway.
    Apply via Endorsement
  3. Provide License Verification
    Request official verification of your current out-of-state license to be sent directly to the Vermont OPR.
  4. Submit Training Proof
    Provide evidence of CPR and Emergency Office Procedures training as required for all Vermont registrants.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Vermont Board of Dental Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Vermont Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Missing Practical CPR Component
Vermont requires CPR courses to have a hands-on practical component; 100% online courses are not accepted and will delay approval.
Unregistered Employment
Vermont no longer allows a 30-day grace period for registration. Starting work before your license is issued can lead to disciplinary action or application denial.
Incomplete Emergency Course
The Emergency Office Procedures course must be at least 2 hours long. Submitting a shorter course will result in a request for additional training.

Questions

Can I start working while my application is pending?
No. Vermont law requires all dental assistants to be registered and licensed by the Board before they begin working.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
Dental assistants must complete a Healthcare Provider CPR course and a 2-hour Emergency Office Procedures course every 2-year renewal cycle.
How do I add radiology privileges to my registration?
You must complete a CODA-accredited radiology course and then use the 'Add A Specialty' link within your OPR online account to upload your certificate.
Is DANB certification required for all Vermont dental assistants?
No. You can register as a Traditional Dental Assistant (TDA) without DANB certification, though your scope of practice will be more limited than a CDA.

Board Info

Vermont Board of Dental Examiners
Sources
State statutes