Rhode Island Dental Assistant License
Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry
Total Fee
$25
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 — $25
How to Apply
-
Create an RIHPOS Account ▾Navigate to the Rhode Island Health Professionals Online System (RIHPOS) portal and register as a new user to create your professional licensing account.
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Start a New Application ▾Log into your RIHPOS account, select 'Start a New Application', and choose 'Registered Dental Assistant' as your license type.
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Complete Application Form ▾Fill out all required sections of the online application form within RIHPOS, providing personal, educational, and professional history information.
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Upload Required Documentation ▾Electronically submit copies of your high school diploma or GED, proof of DANB CDA certification or CODA-accredited program completion plus an approved exam, and current CPR or BLS certification through the RIHPOS system.
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Pay Application Fee ▾Submit the non-refundable initial application fee of $50 using the online payment system available in RIHPOS.
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Submit and Monitor Application ▾Review your complete application, submit it electronically via RIHPOS, and regularly monitor its status through your RIHPOS dashboard for updates or requests for additional information.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry. The application fee is $25.
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Provide License Verification ▾Rhode Island 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.
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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 ▾Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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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
Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
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.
Rhode Island-specific note
▾
Rhode Island may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Rhode Island require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Rhode Island requires Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Rhode Island?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Rhode Island.
Can I take dental x-rays in Rhode Island?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Rhode Island?
▾
State application fees are $25. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources