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Connecticut Dental Assistant License

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • DANB ICE Score Report — Official proof of passing the Infection Control Exam, which must be presented to your employer.
  • DANB RHS Score Report — Required if the assistant's duties include operating X-ray equipment.
  • EFDA Program Completion Certificate — Required only for those applying for the Expanded Function Dental Assistant state credential.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Employment Requirements
    In Connecticut, entry-level dental assistants are not licensed by the state but must meet specific examination requirements within 9 months of employment.
  2. Pass the DANB ICE Exam
    All dental assistants must successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Infection Control Examination (ICE).
  3. Pass the DANB RHS Exam (Optional for X-Rays)
    To legally take dental X-rays in Connecticut, an assistant must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
  4. Obtain CDA Certification (Optional)
    While not required for entry-level work, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is a prerequisite for advanced 'Expanded Function' status.
  5. Apply for EFDA Certification (Advanced)
    If you seek to become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you must complete an approved program and apply for a certificate through the CT DPH eLicense portal.
    CT eLicense Portal
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State EFDA License
    If applying for EFDA status by endorsement, you must hold a current license/certificate in another state with equivalent standards.
  2. Submit Verification of Licensure
    Request that your current state board send verification directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
  3. Complete Online Application
    Submit the EFDA application via the CT eLicense portal and pay the required fee.
    Apply Online
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Connecticut Department of Public Health

Keeping Your License Active

Connecticut Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

9-Month Compliance Window
Failure to pass the DANB ICE exam within 9 months of starting employment can lead to legal inability to work as a dental assistant.
DANB Exam Scheduling
Testing centers may have limited availability; candidates should schedule exams immediately upon hire.
Missing Employer Records
Standard DAs do not register with the state; delays occur when employers do not have the required DANB certificates on file during inspections.

Questions

Does Connecticut issue a license for standard Dental Assistants?
No. The Connecticut Department of Public Health does not license or register standard dental assistants. They only license Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs).
Is the Infection Control (ICE) exam mandatory?
Yes. Every dental assistant in CT must pass the DANB ICE exam within 9 months of their employment start date.
Can a dental assistant take X-rays in Connecticut?
Only if they have successfully passed the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
What is an EFDA in Connecticut?
An Expanded Function Dental Assistant is a credentialed professional who can perform advanced tasks like placing and finishing restorations. It requires DANB CDA certification and a state-approved training program.

Board Info

Connecticut Department of Public Health
Sources