Ohio Dental Assistant License
Ohio State Dental Board
Total Fee
$45
Processing Time
2 to 3 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 — $45
How to Apply
-
Graduate from an Approved EFDA Program ▾Complete a comprehensive Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program that is approved by the Ohio State Dental Board.
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Pass Required Examinations ▾Successfully pass the EFDA clinical examination administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) or another board-approved testing agency. Additionally, pass the Ohio State Dental Board Jurisprudence Examination.
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Submit Application via eLicense Ohio ▾Create an account on the eLicense Ohio portal and submit your initial EFDA registration application. Ensure all required documentation, including transcripts and exam scores, are uploaded or sent as instructed.
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Complete Criminal Records Check ▾Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal records check. Detailed instructions for this process are typically provided during your application on the eLicense Ohio portal.
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Board Review and Registration Issuance ▾The Ohio State Dental Board will review your complete application and all submitted materials. Upon successful verification of all requirements, your EFDA registration will be issued via eLicense Ohio.
Total Fee
$45
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Ohio State Dental Board for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Ohio State Dental Board. The application fee is $45.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Ohio 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 ▾Ohio 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 Ohio can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 3 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
Ohio State Dental Board
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Ohio State Dental Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $45 |
| Endorsement application | $45 |
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.
Ohio-specific note
▾
Ohio may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Ohio require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Ohio requires Certified Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Ohio?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Ohio.
Can I take dental x-rays in Ohio?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Ohio?
▾
State application fees are $45. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources