{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"Ask.Health@tn.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Tennessee Board of Dentistry","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"615-532-3201","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":"Tennessee may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"Tennessee-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:01.780154+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $75.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"Tennessee 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":"Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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, Tennessee requires Registered Dental Assistant through the state board.","question":"Does Tennessee require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Tennessee.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in Tennessee?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in Tennessee?"},{"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 Tennessee?"}],"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":"tennessee-da","state_name":"Tennessee","state_slug":"tennessee","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Log in to elicense.tn.gov, navigate to the 'Dental' section, and select the 'Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Initial Application.' Fill out all required sections.","title":"Complete the Online Application","url":null},{"description":"Submit proof of age, high school diploma or GED, and current CPR certification directly through the elicense.tn.gov portal, along with any other specified documents.","title":"Upload Required Documentation","url":null},{"description":"Submit the required $65 application fee securely using a credit or debit card via the elicense.tn.gov system.","title":"Pay the Application Fee","url":null},{"description":"Regularly check the status of your application on elicense.tn.gov for updates or requests for additional information from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.","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":"2026-04-11T20:12:01.780154+00:00","verify_license_url":null}