{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"DentalBoard@rld.nm.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(505) 476-4622","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":"New Mexico may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"New Mexico-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:38.419000+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. The application fee is $50.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"New Mexico 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":"New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 3 to 4 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, New Mexico requires Dental Assistant through the state board.","question":"Does New Mexico require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in New Mexico.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in New Mexico?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in New Mexico?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $50. 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 New Mexico?"}],"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":50.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"3 to 4 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years (even-numbered 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":"$50","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"new-mexico-da","state_name":"New Mexico","state_slug":"new-mexico","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Ensure you meet the educational or experience requirements (graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program or 4000 hours of clinical work experience), possess current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, pass a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam (General Chairside Assisting, Certified Dental Assistant, or Certified Orthodontic Assistant), and pass the New Mexico Dental Jurisprudence Examination.","title":"Fulfill Eligibility & Examination Requirements","url":null},{"description":"Create a new user account on the New Mexico Medical Board & Affiliated Boards Portal at licensing.rld.nm.gov to access the application system.","title":"Register for an Online Account","url":null},{"description":"Log into your account, select the 'Board of Dental Health Care,' then choose 'Registered Dental Assistant,' and begin the 'Initial Application' process within the portal.","title":"Complete the Online Application","url":null},{"description":"Submit all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of education/experience, BLS certification, DANB exam scores, and New Mexico Jurisprudence exam results, directly through the online application portal.","title":"Upload Required Documentation","url":null},{"description":"Remit the non-refundable application fee of $150.00 as prompted within the New Mexico Medical Board & Affiliated Boards Portal.","title":"Pay Application Fee","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:38.419000+00:00","verify_license_url":null}