{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"dentistry.board@mass.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"617-727-9925","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":"Massachusetts may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"Massachusetts-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:11.521328+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. The application fee is $60.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"Massachusetts 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":"Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 6 to 8 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, Massachusetts requires Licensed Dental Assistant through the state board.","question":"Does Massachusetts require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Massachusetts.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in Massachusetts?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in Massachusetts?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $60. 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 Massachusetts?"}],"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":60.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"6 to 8 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":"$60","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"massachusetts-da","state_name":"Massachusetts","state_slug":"massachusetts","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Register for a new account on the MassLicensing portal and complete the Dental Assistant online application in its entirety.","title":"Create an Account and Complete Online Application","url":null},{"description":"Print and complete the DA-1 (Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgment Form) from the Board's website and mail it to the Board of Registration in Dentistry.","title":"Mail Required CORI Acknowledgment Form (DA-1)","url":null},{"description":"Arrange for your official transcript from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program to be sent directly to the Board of Registration in Dentistry from your educational institution.","title":"Submit Official Transcripts","url":null},{"description":"Ensure your current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is verified directly to the Board.","title":"Verify DANB Certification","url":null},{"description":"Upload proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certification and your complete immunization records directly to your MassLicensing application.","title":"Upload Supporting Documentation","url":null},{"description":"Regularly check the status of your application on the MassLicensing portal and promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation from the Board.","title":"Monitor Application Status","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:11.521328+00:00","verify_license_url":null}