Louisiana — French Quarter balconies and live oaks

Louisiana Dental Assistant License

Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$100
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 — $100

How to Apply

  1. Create Account
    Navigate to the LSBD Online Licensure System and click 'Register'. Provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, last name, and email address to create your login credentials.
  2. Complete Online Application
    Log in to the LSBD Online Licensure System and complete the Dental Assistant application form, providing all required personal and professional information.
  3. Submit Required Documentation
    Upload all necessary documents, including proof of age (minimum 18 years), official transcripts or training certificates, and current CPR/BLS certification, directly through the LSBD Online Licensure System.
  4. Pass Jurisprudence Exam
    Successfully complete the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Exam. Information on scheduling and taking the exam is available on the LSBD website.
  5. Complete Criminal Background Check
    Undergo a criminal background check as required by the Board. Follow the instructions provided by the LSBD regarding the specific procedures for obtaining and submitting your background check results.
  6. Pay Application Fee
    Pay the non-refundable initial application fee of $65.00 through the LSBD Online Licensure System.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

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

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $100.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Louisiana 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
    Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 year
Compact
No
Board
Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Louisiana Dental Assistant licenses renew Every year. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100

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

Questions

Does Louisiana require a dental assistant license?
Yes, Louisiana requires Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Louisiana?
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Louisiana.
Can I take dental x-rays in Louisiana?
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Louisiana?
State application fees are $100. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.

Board Info

Louisiana State Board of Dentistry
Sources