Oregon — aerial view of Crater Lake and surrounding mountains

Oregon Dental Assistant License

Oregon Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$75
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 — $75

How to Apply

  1. Create a Licensing Gateway Account
    Register for a new account on the Oregon Board of Dentistry's online Licensing Gateway portal to begin your application.
  2. Submit Initial Application
    Log in to the Licensing Gateway and select 'Initial Application' for the specific Dental Assistant certificate you are seeking (e.g., Dental Assistant Certificate, Radiology Health and Safety (RHS), Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)).
  3. Provide Required Documentation
    Upload all necessary supporting documents, which may include official transcripts from approved programs, proof of out-of-state certification, verification of work experience, and/or official DANB exam results, directly through the Licensing Gateway.
  4. Pay Application Fee
    Remit the non-refundable application fee for your selected Dental Assistant certificate through the Licensing Gateway.
  5. Board Review and Approval
    The Oregon Board of Dentistry will review your complete application and all submitted documentation for compliance with state requirements.
  6. Receive Certificate
    Upon successful review and approval by the Board, your Dental Assistant certificate will be issued, and you can typically view and print it from your Licensing Gateway account.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Oregon Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $75.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Oregon 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.
  3. Provide Proof of Training
    Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  4. Provide DANB Certification
    Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  5. Provide Radiography Certification
    Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  6. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening
    Oregon 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 Oregon can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  7. 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
Annually
Compact
No
Board
Oregon Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Oregon Dental Assistant licenses renew Annually. Contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$75
Endorsement application$75

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.
Oregon-specific note
Oregon may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

Does Oregon require a dental assistant license?
Yes, Oregon requires Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Oregon?
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Oregon.
Can I take dental x-rays in Oregon?
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Oregon?
State application fees are $75. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.

Board Info

Oregon Board of Dentistry
Sources