New Hampshire Dental Assistant License
New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Universal Application for Initial Licensure — The standard OPLC application form used for initial registration.
- Proof of Clinical Experience — Documentation of 4,500 hours of clinical experience for EFDA applicants.
- BLS-HCP Certification — Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Dentist Recommendation Letter — A letter of recommendation from a New Hampshire licensed dentist (required for EFDA).
- Course Completion Certificates — Certificates from Board-approved expanded duty courses.
- DANB Exam Results — Official score reports for the RHS or CDA examinations. DANB Website
How to Apply
-
Determine Your Dental Assistant Level ▾New Hampshire recognizes four levels: Traditional Dental Assistant (no registration), Graduate Dental Assistant (GDA), DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA). Only EFDAs must register with the Board.
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Complete Required Experience and Education ▾For EFDA registration, you must have 4,500 hours of clinical experience and be a GDA, CDA, or Registered Dental Hygienist. For expanded duties like Radiology, you need 200-400 hours of experience depending on your status.
-
Pass Required Examinations ▾To perform X-rays, you must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. EFDAs must also maintain national CDA certification if they are not GDAs.
Register for DANB Exams -
Complete Board-Approved Courses ▾Complete specific expanded duty courses (e.g., Radiology, Coronal Polishing, or the EFDA restorative course) through an approved provider like NHTI or the NH Dental Society.
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Obtain a Criminal Background Check ▾All applicants for OPLC registration must undergo a state and federal criminal history record check.
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Submit EFDA Application to OPLC ▾Submit the Universal Application for Initial Licensure along with the EFDA-specific requirements and the $27 application fee via the OPLC portal.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Credentials ▾Dental auxiliaries qualified in restorative functions in another jurisdiction may qualify for endorsement by presenting written documentation of equivalent training.
-
Submit Supervising Dentist Attestation ▾Provide a letter from a supervising dentist attesting to your experience with direct restorations within the previous two years.
-
Complete NH Application ▾Submit the standard application for registration via the OPLC portal.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
New Hampshire Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Background Checks
▾
Failure to complete both state and federal background checks can stall the application for weeks.
Unapproved Coursework
▾
Taking expanded duty courses from providers not specifically approved by the NH Board will result in rejection of the qualification.
Missing Experience Verification
▾
EFDA applications require strictly documented 4,500 hours; missing signatures or vague dates will cause delays.
Questions
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in New Hampshire?
▾
No, entry-level 'Traditional Dental Assistants' do not need a license or registration. However, you must register as an EFDA to perform restorative functions, and you must meet specific qualifications to perform X-rays or coronal polishing.
What are the requirements to take X-rays in NH?
▾
You must be at least 18, have 200-400 hours of experience, complete a Board-approved 16-hour radiology course, and pass the DANB RHS exam.
How much does it cost to register as an EFDA?
▾
The initial application fee for an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) permit is $27.
What are the CE requirements for dental assistants?
▾
EFDAs must complete 10 CEUs every two years, including 3 CEUs in BLS-HCP. Other qualified assistants do not have state-mandated CE unless required to maintain their DANB certification.
Can I perform coronal polishing in NH?
▾
Yes, if you are a GDA or have 400 hours of experience and have completed a Board-approved course in coronal polishing.
Board Info
Sources