{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"dentalboard@dca.ca.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Dental Board of California","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(916) 263-2300","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.","title":"Fingerprinting delays"},{"description":"Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.","title":"Missing or incomplete documents"},{"description":"Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.","title":"Application errors"},{"description":"California may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"California-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:10:33.923197+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Dental Board of California. The application fee is $120.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"California 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.","title":"Provide License Verification","url":null},{"description":"Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.","title":"Provide Proof of Training","url":null},{"description":"Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.","title":"Provide DANB Certification","url":null},{"description":"Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.","title":"Provide Radiography Certification","url":null},{"description":"California 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 California can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening","url":null},{"description":"Plan for a processing timeline of about 8 to 9 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.","title":"Await Board Processing","url":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"Yes, California requires Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the state board.","question":"Does California require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in California.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in California?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in California?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $120. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.","question":"How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in California?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":120.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"8 to 9 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.","name":"Proof of Training","url":null},{"description":"Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.","name":"DANB Certification","url":null},{"description":"Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.","name":"Radiography Certification","url":null},{"description":"through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)","name":"Fingerprint background check","url":null},{"description":"$120","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"california-da","state_name":"California","state_slug":"california","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Complete an approved Registered Dental Assisting program or obtain 15 months of satisfactory work experience. You must also complete required courses in the Dental Practice Act, Infection Control, and Basic Life Support (BLS), and pass the California RDA Written Examination, Coronal Polishing, Sealants, and Oral Radiography exams.","title":"Meet Eligibility and Examination Requirements","url":null},{"description":"If you are a new applicant, register for an account on the BreEZe Online Services portal at www.breeze.ca.gov. This system is used by various California boards for professional licensing.","title":"Create a BreEZe Account","url":null},{"description":"Log in to your BreEZe account, select 'Start a New Application' from the main menu, and choose the 'Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)' application type. Complete all sections of the application form accurately.","title":"Submit Online Application","url":null},{"description":"Download the Live Scan Request form from the Dental Board of California's website. Take the completed form to an authorized Live Scan provider in California for a criminal background check. Ensure the results are sent directly to the Board.","title":"Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting","url":null},{"description":"Electronically upload or mail all required documentation to the Dental Board, as specified in your BreEZe application or on the Board's website. This includes official transcripts, course completion certificates, and verification of examination results.","title":"Submit Supporting Documents","url":null},{"description":"Pay the required application fee and the initial license fee through the BreEZe Online Services portal using a credit card. Your application will not be processed until all fees are received.","title":"Pay Application Fees","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:10:33.923197+00:00","verify_license_url":null}