Idaho — Sawtooth Mountains reflected in alpine lake

Idaho Dental Assistant License

Idaho State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
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.
  • Application fee — $0

How to Apply

  1. Understand Scope of Practice
    Dental Assistants in Idaho perform duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, as outlined by Idaho State Board of Dentistry rules and regulations.
  2. Review Idaho State Board of Dentistry Rules
    Familiarize yourself with the Idaho Rules and Regulations governing the practice of dentistry and the delegation of duties to dental assistants, specifically IDAPA 24.02.01, which can be found on the Board's website.
  3. Ensure Competency and Training
    Dentists are responsible for ensuring that their dental assistants are adequately trained and competent to perform any delegated tasks, as there are no state-mandated training or examination requirements for general duties.
  4. No State-Level Registration or Licensure
    There is no formal application process, state registration, or licensure required for dental assistants by the Idaho State Board of Dentistry.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Idaho State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
N/A - No State Licensure Required
Compact
No
Board
Idaho State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Idaho Dental Assistant licenses renew N/A - No State Licensure Required. Contact the Idaho State Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

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

Questions

Does Idaho require a dental assistant license?
No, Idaho does not require state licensure for general dental assistants. However, expanded functions and radiography may require permits or certifications.
Is DANB certification recognized in Idaho?
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Idaho.
Can I take dental x-rays in Idaho?
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Idaho?
There is no state application fee for general dental assistants in Idaho. However, DANB CDA exam costs $450, and radiography certifications may have additional fees.

Board Info

Idaho State Board of Dentistry
Sources