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
Create an Online Account
▾
Register for a new user account on the ND Board of Dental Examiners Online Portal.
Complete the Application
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Log in to the ND Board of Dental Examiners Online Portal, select the 'Registered Dental Assistant' application, and complete all required sections, including uploading a current CPR certification card.
Ensure official verification of graduation from a CODA-accredited program or two years of full-time clinical experience is sent, and have DANB send your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam results directly to the Board.
Complete Jurisprudence Exam & Background Check
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Successfully complete the North Dakota State Jurisprudence Exam (available within the portal) and submit fingerprints for the required criminal background check (CBC).
Pay Application Fee
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Submit the non-refundable application fee of $75 through the online portal.
Submit and Monitor
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Submit your completed application and monitor its status via the ND Board of Dental Examiners Online Portal. The Board will notify you upon completion of review and verification of all supporting documents.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
3 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
Submit Your Application
▾
Apply through the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $50.
Provide License Verification
▾
North Dakota 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
▾
North Dakota 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 North Dakota can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
Await Board Processing
▾
Plan for a processing timeline of about 3 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 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
North Dakota Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota State 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.
North Dakota-specific note
▾
North Dakota may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does North Dakota require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, North Dakota requires Registered Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in North Dakota?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in North Dakota.
Can I take dental x-rays in North Dakota?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in North Dakota?
▾
State application fees are $50. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.