New Mexico Dental Assistant License
New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 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 — $50
How to Apply
-
Fulfill Eligibility & Examination Requirements ▾Ensure you meet the educational or experience requirements (graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program or 4000 hours of clinical work experience), possess current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, pass a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam (General Chairside Assisting, Certified Dental Assistant, or Certified Orthodontic Assistant), and pass the New Mexico Dental Jurisprudence Examination.
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Register for an Online Account ▾Create a new user account on the New Mexico Medical Board & Affiliated Boards Portal at licensing.rld.nm.gov to access the application system.
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Complete the Online Application ▾Log into your account, select the 'Board of Dental Health Care,' then choose 'Registered Dental Assistant,' and begin the 'Initial Application' process within the portal.
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Upload Required Documentation ▾Submit all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of education/experience, BLS certification, DANB exam scores, and New Mexico Jurisprudence exam results, directly through the online application portal.
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Pay Application Fee ▾Remit the non-refundable application fee of $150.00 as prompted within the New Mexico Medical Board & Affiliated Boards Portal.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. The application fee is $50.
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Provide License Verification ▾New Mexico 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.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾New Mexico 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 Mexico can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 3 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 (even-numbered years)
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (even-numbered years). Contact the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care 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 Mexico-specific note
▾
New Mexico may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does New Mexico require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, New Mexico requires Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in New Mexico?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in New Mexico.
Can I take dental x-rays in New Mexico?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in New Mexico?
▾
State application fees are $50. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources