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District of Columbia Dental Assistant License

DC Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$190
Processing Time
4 to 6 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 — $190

How to Apply

  1. Create an Account and Apply Online ▾
    Register for an account on the DOH Licensure Online Services Portal, complete the online application for Dental Assistant licensure, and pay the required fee.
  2. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    Schedule and undergo a criminal background check (CBC) through an approved vendor as specified on the DC Health website. Results must be submitted directly to the Board.
  3. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents through the DOH Licensure Online Services Portal. This includes: a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of completion from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program (with official transcripts) or current certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), a high school diploma or GED, current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification for healthcare providers, and a passport-style photograph.
  4. Monitor Application Status ▾
    Regularly check the status of your application via the DOH Licensure Online Services Portal. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification from the Board of Dentistry to avoid delays.
Total Fee
$190
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the DC Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the DC Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $190.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    District of Columbia 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.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  4. Provide DANB Certification ▾
    Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  5. Provide Radiography Certification ▾
    Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  6. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  7. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 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
DC Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

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

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$190
Endorsement application$190

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.
District of Columbia-specific note ▾
District of Columbia may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

Does District of Columbia require a dental assistant license? ▾
Yes, District of Columbia requires Licensed Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in District of Columbia? ▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in District of Columbia.
Can I take dental x-rays in District of Columbia? ▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in District of Columbia? ▾
State application fees are $190. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.

Board Info

DC Board of Dentistry
Phone1-877-672-2174
Sources