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District of Columbia Dental Assistant License

DC Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$190
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • High School Diploma or GED — Proof of secondary education completion is required for all levels.
  • Passport-Type Photos — Two recent 2x2 passport-style headshot photos.
  • Government Issued Photo ID — A photocopy of a current driver's license or passport.
  • CPR/BLS Certification — Copy of a current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification.
  • Character Reference Form — A form listing three character references who have known the applicant for at least one year. Download Form
  • Radiology Training Certificate — Required for Level II and III; proof of completing a Board-approved dental radiography course.

How to Apply

  1. Create an Account ▾
    Register for a new user account on the DC Health Online Licensing Portal to begin the application process.
    Register on Portal
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Dental Assistant registration (Level I, II, or III) and pay the $190 application fee plus the $50 criminal background check fee.
    Start Application
  3. Schedule Fingerprinting ▾
    After submitting your application, you will receive a CBC code via email. Use this code to schedule your fingerprinting appointment through Fieldprint DC.
    Schedule Fingerprints
  4. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload your high school diploma, passport photos, government ID, and current CPR/BLS certification directly to the portal.
    Upload Documents
  5. Submit Character References ▾
    Download and complete the Character Reference Form, listing three professional references, and upload it to your application.
    Download Reference Form
  6. Pass the Law Examination ▾
    Complete the District of Columbia Dental Assistants Law Examination, which covers local rules and regulations. This is typically administered through the application portal.
  7. Board Review ▾
    The DC Board of Dentistry meets on the third Wednesday of each month to review completed applications. Ensure all materials are submitted well in advance of the meeting date.
    View Board Schedule
Total Fee
$190
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the DC Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request an official verification of licensure from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a dental assistant license or registration.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the DC Health Licensing Portal, selecting 'Registration by Endorsement' and paying the $190 fee.
    Apply by Endorsement
  3. Complete DC Law Exam ▾
    Even when applying by endorsement, you must pass the DC Dental Assistants Law Examination.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
DC Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

District of Columbia Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the DC Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$190
Endorsement application$190

Slow Downs

Incomplete Character References ▾
Failure to provide three distinct references or missing contact information for references can stall the application.
CBC Processing ▾
Criminal Background Check results can take several weeks. Schedule your fingerprinting immediately after receiving your code.
Board Meeting Cycle ▾
The Board only meets once a month. If your application is completed the day after a meeting, it will not be reviewed until the following month.

Questions

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
Dental Assistants must complete 10 hours of approved CE every two years, including 2 hours in Infection Control, 1 hour in Ethics, 2 hours in LGBTQ Cultural Competency, and 1 hour in Public Health Priorities.
Do I need CEs for my first renewal? ▾
No, continuing education credits are not required for the first renewal cycle following initial registration.
How much does it cost to renew my registration? ▾
The biennial renewal fee is $75, plus a mandatory $50 fee for the criminal background check name search.
When does my registration expire? ▾
Registrations issued before June 16, 2024, expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. New registrations expire on the last day of the holder's birth month every two years.

Board Info

DC Board of Dentistry
Phone1-877-672-2174
Sources
State statutes