Texas Dental Assistant License
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$48
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 — $48
How to Apply
-
Create an Account and Apply Online ▾Navigate to the TSBDE Licensing Portal, create a new user account if you don't have one, and then log in to complete and submit the 'Registered Dental Assistant' online application.
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Pay the Application Fee ▾Submit the non-refundable application fee of $36 through the TSBDE Licensing Portal as part of your online application.
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Complete Jurisprudence Assessment ▾Successfully complete the TSBDE-approved online Jurisprudence Assessment. This assessment covers the Texas Dental Practice Act and Board Rules.
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Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) Course ▾Complete a current, Board-approved course in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. You must upload both sides of your BLS certification card to your application in the TSBDE Licensing Portal.
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Upload Required Documentation ▾Upload a copy of your high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent to your application in the TSBDE Licensing Portal. Ensure all other requested documents are submitted.
Total Fee
$48
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $48.
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Provide License Verification ▾Texas 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 ▾Texas 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 Texas 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 1 year
Compact
No
Board
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Texas Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 1 year. Contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $48 |
| Endorsement application | $48 |
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.
Texas-specific note
▾
Texas may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Texas require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Texas requires Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Texas?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Texas.
Can I take dental x-rays in Texas?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Texas?
▾
State application fees are $48. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources