California Dental Assistant License
Dental Board of California
Total Fee
$120
Processing Time
8 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $120
How to Apply
-
Meet Eligibility and Examination Requirements ▾Complete an approved Registered Dental Assisting program or obtain 15 months of satisfactory work experience. You must also complete required courses in the Dental Practice Act, Infection Control, and Basic Life Support (BLS), and pass the California RDA Written Examination, Coronal Polishing, Sealants, and Oral Radiography exams.
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Create a BreEZe Account ▾If you are a new applicant, register for an account on the BreEZe Online Services portal at www.breeze.ca.gov. This system is used by various California boards for professional licensing.
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Submit Online Application ▾Log in to your BreEZe account, select 'Start a New Application' from the main menu, and choose the 'Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)' application type. Complete all sections of the application form accurately.
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Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting ▾Download the Live Scan Request form from the Dental Board of California's website. Take the completed form to an authorized Live Scan provider in California for a criminal background check. Ensure the results are sent directly to the Board.
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Submit Supporting Documents ▾Electronically upload or mail all required documentation to the Dental Board, as specified in your BreEZe application or on the Board's website. This includes official transcripts, course completion certificates, and verification of examination results.
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Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the required application fee and the initial license fee through the BreEZe Online Services portal using a credit card. Your application will not be processed until all fees are received.
Total Fee
$120
Processing Time
8 to 9 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Dental Board of California for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Dental Board of California. The application fee is $120.
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Provide License Verification ▾California requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
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Provide DANB Certification ▾Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
-
Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾California requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside California can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 8 to 9 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Dental Board of California
Keeping Your License Active
California Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Dental Board of California for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $120 |
| Endorsement application | $120 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
California-specific note
▾
California may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does California require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, California requires Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in California?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in California.
Can I take dental x-rays in California?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in California?
▾
State application fees are $120. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources