Massachusetts Dental Assistant License
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
6 to 8 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 — $60
How to Apply
-
Create an Account and Complete Online Application ▾Register for a new account on the MassLicensing portal and complete the Dental Assistant online application in its entirety.
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Mail Required CORI Acknowledgment Form (DA-1) ▾Print and complete the DA-1 (Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgment Form) from the Board's website and mail it to the Board of Registration in Dentistry.
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Submit Official Transcripts ▾Arrange for your official transcript from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program to be sent directly to the Board of Registration in Dentistry from your educational institution.
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Verify DANB Certification ▾Ensure your current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is verified directly to the Board.
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Upload Supporting Documentation ▾Upload proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certification and your complete immunization records directly to your MassLicensing application.
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Monitor Application Status ▾Regularly check the status of your application on the MassLicensing portal and promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation from the Board.
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
6 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. The application fee is $60.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Massachusetts 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.
-
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.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 6 to 8 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
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Massachusetts Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $60 |
| Endorsement application | $60 |
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.
Massachusetts-specific note
▾
Massachusetts may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Massachusetts require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Massachusetts requires Licensed Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Massachusetts?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Massachusetts.
Can I take dental x-rays in Massachusetts?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Massachusetts?
▾
State application fees are $60. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources