Ohio — Cleveland skyline over the Cuyahoga

Ohio Dental Assistant License

Ohio State Dental Board

Total Fee
$45
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Training Certificate — Certificate of completion from a board-approved 7-hour dental radiography course.
  • Hepatitis B Documentation — Proof of immunity or immunization (3-dose series or titer results).
  • BCI & FBI Background Check Results — Electronic results sent directly from an approved vendor to the Board.
  • Government-Issued ID — A copy of a valid driver's license or state ID for identity verification.
  • DANB/OCDAC Certification (Optional) — Proof of current certification from DANB or OCDAC if using it to satisfy training requirements.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Board-Approved Training ▾
    Complete a 7-hour board-approved dental radiography training program. This must include both didactic instruction and clinical training under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
    View Approved Training Info
  2. Register for eLicense Account ▾
    Create a secure account on the eLicense Ohio Professional Licensure System. This portal is used for all initial applications and renewals.
    Create Account
  3. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Log in to eLicense, select 'Apply for a New License', and choose 'Dental Board' then 'Dental Assistant Radiographer'. Complete the online fields and upload required attachments.
    Start Application
  4. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Submit the non-refundable $25 application fee via credit card (Visa or MasterCard) through the eLicense portal.
  5. Complete Background Checks ▾
    Undergo both BCI (state) and FBI (federal) criminal background checks. You must use an Ohio WebCheck location and request that results be sent directly to the Ohio State Dental Board.
    Find WebCheck Locations
  6. Verify Hepatitis B Immunity ▾
    Provide documentation of Hepatitis B immunity or immunization (3-dose series or titer) as part of the application upload process.
Total Fee
$45
Processing Time
2 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Ohio State Dental Board for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure your current dental assistant radiographer license or equivalent is active and in good standing in another state.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the eLicense portal using the 'Out-of-State License Holder' pathway under ORC 4796.03.
    Apply via eLicense
  3. Provide Proof of Experience ▾
    Submit evidence of holding the license for at least one year and actively practicing for at least one of the last five years.
  4. Complete Ohio Background Checks ▾
    Even out-of-state applicants must complete the Ohio BCI and FBI background checks.
    WebCheck Locations
  5. Pay Endorsement Fee ▾
    Pay the $25 application fee through the portal.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Ohio State Dental Board

Keeping Your License Active

Ohio Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Ohio State Dental Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$45
Endorsement application$45

Slow Downs

Incomplete Background Checks ▾
Failure to complete both BCI and FBI checks or results not being sent directly to the Board will stall the application.
Missing Hepatitis B Proof ▾
Applications cannot be approved without valid proof of Hepatitis B immunity or a signed medical/religious waiver.
Name Mismatch ▾
Ensure the name on your training certificate matches the name on your eLicense account and background check.

Questions

Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Ohio? ▾
Basic dental assistants (Basic Qualified Personnel) do not need a license, but you MUST have a Dental Assistant Radiographer certificate to perform X-rays.
How often do I need to renew my radiographer certificate? ▾
Certificates must be renewed biennially by December 31st of even-numbered years.
What are the CE requirements for renewal? ▾
Radiographers must complete 2 hours of continuing education in radiation technology every two years.
Can I perform coronal polishing? ▾
Only if you obtain a separate Coronal Polishing certificate, which requires being a CDA or having 1 year of experience plus a board-approved course.
What is an EFDA in Ohio? ▾
An Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) is a registered professional who can perform advanced restorative duties. It requires separate registration and a $25 fee.

Board Info

Ohio State Dental Board
Phone(614) 466-2580
Emaildental.board@den.ohio.gov
Sources
State statutes