South Dakota Dental Assistant License
South Dakota State Board of Dentistry
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- RDA Application Form — Completed and signed application for registration. Download Form
- Birth Certificate — A copy of the applicant's birth certificate or equivalent documentation.
- High School Diploma/GED — Evidence of high school graduation or successful GED testing.
- CPR Card — Copy of a current, board-approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation card.
- Education Verification — Proof of graduation from a CODA-accredited program or a board-approved certificate of competency.
- Application Fee — A non-refundable fee of $45 made payable to the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry.
How to Apply
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Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you are at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
View Requirements -
Complete Required Education ▾Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or complete a board-approved program to earn a certificate of competency.
Education Info -
Obtain CPR Certification ▾Maintain a current CPR card from the American Heart Association (BLS Provider) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer).
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Pass Required Examinations ▾Pass the state registration examination and the jurisprudence examination on South Dakota dental laws and rules.
Exam Details -
Submit Application ▾Download and complete the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) application packet and mail it to the Board with the $45 fee.
Download Application -
Board Review ▾The Board reviews applications at their scheduled meetings. Ensure all documents are submitted at least 30 days prior to a meeting.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold a current, valid registration to perform expanded functions in another state.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the RDA application packet, indicating you are applying via credential/endorsement.
Download Application -
Request License Verification ▾Have a certified letter of verification sent directly from each state board where you have been registered.
-
Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾Successfully complete the South Dakota jurisprudence examination as part of the endorsement process.
Exam Info
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Dakota State Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
South Dakota Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
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Slow Downs
Incomplete Documentation
▾
Missing birth certificates or high school diplomas are frequent causes for application holds.
Expired CPR Certification
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Submitting a CPR card that is expired or from an unapproved provider will delay approval.
Verification Delays
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send official license verifications can take several weeks.
Board Meeting Schedule
▾
Applications must be complete 30 days before a board meeting; missing this window delays review until the next meeting.
Questions
Do I need to be registered to work as a basic dental assistant?
▾
No, entry-level dental assistants do not need to be registered with the board but must work under direct supervision and meet age/education requirements.
What is the difference between a Dental Assistant and an RDA?
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An RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) is authorized to perform expanded functions, whereas a non-registered assistant is limited to basic supportive duties.
How many continuing education hours are required for RDAs?
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RDAs must complete 60 hours of board-approved continuing education every five-year licensure cycle.
Is a background check or fingerprinting required for dental assistants?
▾
While dentists must submit fingerprint cards, the current South Dakota regulations for RDAs do not explicitly require fingerprinting for initial registration.
Board Info
Sources