Louisiana — French Quarter balconies and live oaks

Louisiana Dental Assistant License

Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • EDDA Application Form — Completed and signed application for certification confirmation.
  • EDDA Course Certificate — Copy of the verification of participation letter or certificate from an approved EDDA training course.
  • Radiology Course Certificate — Copy of proof of completion of a Board-approved radiology course.
  • CPR/BLS Card — Copy of a current CPR certification card (AHA or ARC BLS Provider).
  • Application Fee — A check or money order for $100.00 payable to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.

How to Apply

  1. Gain Required Experience
    Complete at least six months of full-time chairside experience as a dental assistant. This requirement may be waived if you have completed a semester of clinical practice in an approved high school dental assistant program.
  2. Complete Radiology Training
    Successfully complete a Louisiana State Board of Dentistry-approved radiology course. This is required for all assistants who operate x-ray equipment.
  3. Complete EDDA Training Course
    Complete a Board-approved Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) training course, which typically includes 30 hours of instruction and a competency examination.
  4. Obtain CPR Certification
    Maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Note that the Board does not accept CPR courses completed entirely online.
  5. Submit Application
    Download and complete the 'Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Application for Certification Confirmation'. Mail the form along with the $100 fee and required documentation to the Board office in Baton Rouge.
  6. Wait for Confirmation
    The Board will process your application and issue a certificate confirmation. You may not perform expanded duties until you receive this certificate.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

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

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Training
    Louisiana does not have a separate endorsement application for EDDAs. Out-of-state assistants must provide proof of training equivalent to Louisiana's requirements.
  2. Submit Standard EDDA Application
    Complete the standard EDDA application and attach certificates from your out-of-state CODA-accredited program or equivalent training.
  3. Board Review
    The Board will review your documentation to determine if your previous training meets Louisiana standards. If deemed inadequate, you may be required to undergo remediation in a Louisiana-approved program.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every year
Compact
No
Board
Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Louisiana Dental Assistant licenses renew Every year. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100

Slow Downs

Online CPR Courses
The Board strictly rejects CPR certifications obtained through 100% online courses. Ensure your course includes an in-person skills assessment.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing certificates for radiology or EDDA training will result in the application being returned to the applicant.
Non-Approved Courses
Taking a training course that is not on the Board's approved list will lead to denial. Always verify the provider before enrolling.

Questions

Does the Board regulate all dental assistants?
No, the Board only regulates and issues certificate confirmations for Expanded Duty Dental Assistants (EDDAs). Basic dental assistants are not regulated but must meet baseline age and training requirements.
How many CE hours are required for EDDAs?
EDDAs are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, which must be reported through CE Broker.
How often must I renew my EDDA certificate?
EDDA certificate confirmations must be reconfirmed every three years.
Can I take x-rays without being an EDDA?
Yes, but you must complete a Board-approved radiology course within six months of employment and work under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Board Info

Louisiana State Board of Dentistry
Sources