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Pennsylvania Dental Assistant License

Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 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 an Account on PALS ▾
    Navigate to the PALS - Pennsylvania Licensing System website and register for a new user account if you do not already have one. This account will be used to manage all aspects of your application.
  2. Start the Initial EFDA Application ▾
    Log into your PALS account, locate the 'Board of Dentistry' section, and select the application for 'Expanded Function Dental Assistant' initial licensure. Complete all required sections of the online application form.
  3. Submit Required Documentation and Pay Fee ▾
    Upload all necessary supporting documents through PALS, which typically include official transcripts from a Board-approved EFDA program, proof of passing the Pennsylvania EFDA examination administered by DANB, and current CPR certification. Pay the non-refundable application fee via PALS.
  4. Complete Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training ▾
    Ensure you have completed the mandatory 3-hour training on Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting from a Board-approved provider. Proof of completion, usually in the form of a certificate, must be submitted or attested to within your PALS application.
  5. Await Board Review and Approval ▾
    Once your complete application and all supporting documentation have been submitted through PALS, the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry will review your qualifications. Upon approval, your Expanded Function Dental Assistant license will be issued.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $75.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Pennsylvania 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 ▾
    Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  7. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 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
Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Pennsylvania Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Pennsylvania State 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.
Pennsylvania-specific note ▾
Pennsylvania may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

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

Board Info

Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry
Phone717-783-1400
Sources