Tennessee Dental Assistant License
Tennessee 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
-
Complete the Online Application ▾Log in to elicense.tn.gov, navigate to the 'Dental' section, and select the 'Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Initial Application.' Fill out all required sections.
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Upload Required Documentation ▾Submit proof of age, high school diploma or GED, and current CPR certification directly through the elicense.tn.gov portal, along with any other specified documents.
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Pay the Application Fee ▾Submit the required $65 application fee securely using a credit or debit card via the elicense.tn.gov system.
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Monitor Application Status ▾Regularly check the status of your application on elicense.tn.gov for updates or requests for additional information from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $75.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Tennessee 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.
-
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 ▾Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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
Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Tennessee Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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.
Tennessee-specific note
▾
Tennessee may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Tennessee require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Tennessee requires Registered Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Tennessee?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Tennessee.
Can I take dental x-rays in Tennessee?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Tennessee?
▾
State application fees are $75. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources