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 — $50
How to Apply
Meet Eligibility Requirements
▾
Ensure you meet the state's requirements for an EFDA license, which include either graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or 3,000 hours of clinical dental assisting experience, a current DANB CDA or COA certification, and current healthcare provider BLS/CPR certification.
Create an Account and Apply Online
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Visit the OPLC Online Application System, register for a new account, and then log in to select 'Start a New Application' for an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) license.
Complete and Submit Application
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Fill out the online application form completely, upload all required supporting documentation such as transcripts, certifications, and BLS/CPR. Pay the non-refundable $125 application fee through the OPLC Online Application System.
Pass the NH EFDA Examination
▾
Upon Board approval of your application, schedule and successfully pass the New Hampshire Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Examination. A separate examination fee of $200 will be required for this clinical exam.
Receive Your License
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Once all application requirements, documentation, and examination results are verified and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, your EFDA license will be issued and accessible via your OPLC account.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
Submit Your Application
▾
Apply through the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $50.
Provide License Verification
▾
New Hampshire 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
▾
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
Await Board Processing
▾
Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 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
New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
New Hampshire Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
Item
Amount
Application
$50
Endorsement application
$50
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.
New Hampshire-specific note
▾
New Hampshire may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does New Hampshire require a dental assistant license?
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Yes, New Hampshire requires Registered Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in New Hampshire?
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Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in New Hampshire.
Can I take dental x-rays in New Hampshire?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in New Hampshire?
▾
State application fees are $50. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.