{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"717-783-1400","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":"Pennsylvania may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"Pennsylvania-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:53.726917+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $75.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"Pennsylvania 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":"Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 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.","title":"Await Board Processing","url":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"Yes, Pennsylvania requires Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) through the state board.","question":"Does Pennsylvania require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Pennsylvania.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in Pennsylvania?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in Pennsylvania?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $75. 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 Pennsylvania?"}],"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":75.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"4 to 6 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":"$75","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"pennsylvania-da","state_name":"Pennsylvania","state_slug":"pennsylvania","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Navigate to the PALS - Pennsylvania Licensing System website and register for a new user account if you do not already have one. This account will be used to manage all aspects of your application.","title":"Create an Account on PALS","url":null},{"description":"Log into your PALS account, locate the 'Board of Dentistry' section, and select the application for 'Expanded Function Dental Assistant' initial licensure. Complete all required sections of the online application form.","title":"Start the Initial EFDA Application","url":null},{"description":"Upload all necessary supporting documents through PALS, which typically include official transcripts from a Board-approved EFDA program, proof of passing the Pennsylvania EFDA examination administered by DANB, and current CPR certification. Pay the non-refundable application fee via PALS.","title":"Submit Required Documentation and Pay Fee","url":null},{"description":"Ensure you have completed the mandatory 3-hour training on Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting from a Board-approved provider. Proof of completion, usually in the form of a certificate, must be submitted or attested to within your PALS application.","title":"Complete Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training","url":null},{"description":"Once your complete application and all supporting documentation have been submitted through PALS, the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry will review your qualifications. Upon approval, your Expanded Function Dental Assistant license will be issued.","title":"Await Board Review and Approval","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:11:53.726917+00:00","verify_license_url":null}