Nebraska Dental Assistant License
Nebraska DHHS
Total Fee
$95
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- High School Diploma — Proof of graduation from high school or its equivalent (GED).
- Official Transcripts — If applying by education, an official transcript showing your graduation date must be sent directly from the accredited program to the Licensure Unit.
- Employment Verification — If applying by experience, submit proof of 1,500 hours of experience using the official Employment Verification form or a letter from your employer.
- DANB CDA Verification — Verification of passing the CDA exam must be sent directly from DANB to the Nebraska Licensure Unit. DANB Website
- Jurisprudence Exam Score — A copy of your successful jurisprudence examination results.
- Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Presence — A photocopy of a birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, or other document showing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- CPR Certification — Proof of current certification in healthcare cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
How to Apply
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you meet the requirements: either graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or complete 1,500 hours of work experience as a dental assistant within the last five years.
View Requirements -
Pass the CDA Exam ▾Successfully pass the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
-
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Complete and pass the Nebraska Dental Assistant Jurisprudence Examination with a score of at least 75%.
Take Jurisprudence Exam -
Complete Application Form ▾Download and fill out the 'Application for License to Practice as a Dental Assistant'. Ensure all sections, including the conviction and licensure information, are completed.
-
Submit Application and Fee ▾Mail the completed application, required documents, and the $95 fee (check or money order payable to DHHS, Licensure Unit) to the address provided on the form.
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Wait for Processing ▾The typical processing time for a complete application is 8 to 10 weeks. You will be notified via email once your license is issued.
Check License Status
Total Fee
$95
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Nebraska DHHS for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Reciprocity Eligibility ▾Confirm you have been licensed in another state and actively practiced for at least three years, with at least one of those years within the last three years.
-
Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾Take and pass the Nebraska Dental Assistant Jurisprudence Examination.
Take Exam -
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the standard application form, selecting the 'Reciprocity' option, and include the $95 fee.
-
Provide License Verification ▾Request that the state(s) where you hold a license send a certification/verification directly to the Nebraska Licensure Unit.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Nebraska DHHS
Keeping Your License Active
Nebraska Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Nebraska DHHS for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $95 |
| Endorsement application | $95 |
Slow Downs
Missing Direct Transcripts
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board; personal copies are not accepted.
Incomplete Jurisprudence Exam
▾
Failure to include the score report or failing to achieve the 75% passing score will delay the application.
Undisclosed Convictions
▾
Failure to report criminal convictions or disciplinary actions can lead to significant delays or denial of the license.
Incorrect Fee Payment
▾
Submitting the wrong fee amount or an unaccepted payment method (e.g., electronic payment for paper applications) will halt processing.
Questions
Is a license required to work as a dental assistant in Nebraska?
▾
No, you can work as an unlicensed dental assistant for basic duties. However, a license is required to perform expanded functions and to supervise unlicensed assistants.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensed Dental Assistants must complete 30 hours of acceptable continuing education every two years (biennial cycle ending March 1 of odd-numbered years).
Can I apply for my initial license online?
▾
No, initial applications for Dental Assistants in Nebraska must be submitted via paper application and mailed to the DHHS Licensure Unit.
What is the initial application fee?
▾
The initial licensure fee is $95, which may be prorated depending on the month the license is issued.
Are fingerprints required for a Dental Assistant license?
▾
While a background check is performed, fingerprints are generally not required for Dental Assistants unless specifically requested by the Board or if applying for certain other credentials.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes