Minnesota Dental Assistant License
Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
2 to 4 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
-
Complete Education and Required Examinations ▾Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or a Board-approved program. Pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and an approved clinical examination (if applicable to your education pathway).
-
Pass Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam ▾Successfully complete the Minnesota Board of Dentistry jurisprudence examination. This exam may be administered online through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry's Applicant Portal or an approved external vendor.
-
Create Applicant Portal Account & Initiate Application ▾Access the Minnesota Board of Dentistry’s Applicant Portal and create a new account. Begin the online application for Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) licensure, providing all required personal and professional information.
-
Submit Supporting Documentation and Background Check ▾Upload all necessary documents, such as official transcripts, DANB scores, and clinical exam results, directly through the Applicant Portal. Complete the required background check as instructed within the application process.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Submit the required initial application and licensure fees through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry’s Applicant Portal to finalize your application submission.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Minnesota Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $100.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Minnesota 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.
-
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 ▾Minnesota 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 Minnesota can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
-
Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 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
Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Minnesota Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Minnesota Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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.
Minnesota-specific note
▾
Minnesota may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Minnesota require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Minnesota requires Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Minnesota?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Minnesota.
Can I take dental x-rays in Minnesota?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Minnesota?
▾
State application fees are $100. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources