{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"applications@tsbde.texas.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Texas State Board of Dental Examiners","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(512) 463-6400","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":"Texas may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"Texas-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:03.767897+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $48.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"Texas 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":"Texas 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 Texas 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, Texas requires Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the state board.","question":"Does Texas require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Texas.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in Texas?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in Texas?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $48. 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 Texas?"}],"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":48.0,"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 1 year","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":"$48","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"texas-da","state_name":"Texas","state_slug":"texas","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Navigate to the TSBDE Licensing Portal, create a new user account if you don't have one, and then log in to complete and submit the 'Registered Dental Assistant' online application.","title":"Create an Account and Apply Online","url":null},{"description":"Submit the non-refundable application fee of $36 through the TSBDE Licensing Portal as part of your online application.","title":"Pay the Application Fee","url":null},{"description":"Successfully complete the TSBDE-approved online Jurisprudence Assessment. This assessment covers the Texas Dental Practice Act and Board Rules.","title":"Complete Jurisprudence Assessment","url":null},{"description":"Complete a current, Board-approved course in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. You must upload both sides of your BLS certification card to your application in the TSBDE Licensing Portal.","title":"Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) Course","url":null},{"description":"Upload a copy of your high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent to your application in the TSBDE Licensing Portal. Ensure all other requested documents are submitted.","title":"Upload Required Documentation","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:03.767897+00:00","verify_license_url":null}