Idaho — Sawtooth Mountains reflected in alpine lake

Idaho Dental Assistant License

Idaho State Board of Dentistry

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

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Course Completion — Certificate or transcript from an Idaho Board-approved dental assisting program.
  • Competency Exam Results — Documentation showing a passing score of 85% or higher on Board-approved expanded function exams.
  • CPR/BLS Certification — Current AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers card.
  • Request for Review of Credentials Form — Required for out-of-state applicants seeking recognition of previous training.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Employment ▾
    Ensure you are regularly employed in a dental office under the direct supervision of a licensed Idaho dentist, as basic dental assisting does not require a license.
    View Legal Definitions
  2. Complete Fundamentals Training ▾
    Complete a Board-approved course in the fundamentals of dental assisting. This is a prerequisite for performing expanded functions.
  3. Obtain Expanded Functions Training ▾
    Enroll in and complete Idaho Board-approved training for specific expanded functions such as coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, or nitrous oxide monitoring.
  4. Pass Competency Examinations ▾
    Successfully pass a Board-approved competency exam for each expanded function with a score of 85% or higher.
  5. Maintain CPR Certification ▾
    Obtain and maintain a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider CPR certification.
  6. Request Credential Review (If Applicable) ▾
    If you were trained out-of-state, submit a 'Request for Review of Credentials' form to the Board to have your training recognized for expanded functions.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Idaho State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Request for Review of Credentials ▾
    Out-of-state dental assistants must submit this form along with documentation of their previous training and any state registrations.
  2. Provide Verification of Out-of-State Registration ▾
    If previously registered or licensed in another state, provide official verification from that state's board.
  3. Complete Idaho-Specific Modules ▾
    If out-of-state training does not meet Idaho standards, you may be required to complete specific Idaho-approved modules or exams.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
N/A - No State Licensure Required
Compact
No
Board
Idaho State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Idaho Dental Assistant licenses renew N/A - No State Licensure Required. Contact the Idaho State Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Non-Approved Training ▾
Completing a course not approved by the Idaho Board of Dentistry will result in a denial of expanded function qualifications.
Inadequate Exam Scores ▾
Failing to achieve the required 85% on competency exams requires a retake, delaying certification.
Expired CPR Certification ▾
Applications or renewals may be held if the BLS/CPR certification is not current or from an unapproved provider.

Questions

Do dental assistants need a license in Idaho? ▾
No, Idaho does not require licensure or registration for basic dental assisting duties. However, 'Board Qualification' is required for expanded functions.
What are expanded functions in Idaho? ▾
Expanded functions include coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, monitoring nitrous oxide, and fabricating temporary crowns.
How do I become qualified for expanded functions? ▾
You must complete a Board-approved training course and pass a competency exam for each specific function.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for dental assistants? ▾
There are no general CE requirements for basic dental assistants, but those with expanded function qualifications must maintain current certifications as required by their training.
Can I take X-rays without a license? ▾
Yes, in Idaho, any dental assistant may operate dental X-ray equipment under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist without a separate state permit.

Board Info

Idaho State Board of Dentistry
Phone(208) 334-2369
Sources