Tennessee Dental Assistant License
Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Passport-Style Photograph — A current full-face photograph taken within the last 12 months, signed by the applicant on the front.
- Declaration of Citizenship — A notarized form (PH-4183) with a copy of a valid ID (e.g., birth certificate or passport).
- Two Letters of Recommendation — Original letters from licensed dental professionals on their letterhead attesting to your good moral character.
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of graduation from high school or successful completion of a GED program.
- Current CPR Card — Front and back of a current BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent card from a board-approved provider.
How to Apply
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the Application for Registration as a Dental Assistant either online via the LARS portal or by mailing the paper form (PH-3166).
Apply Online -
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee of $22.50 plus a $10.00 state regulatory fee (Total $32.50).
Pay Fees -
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Register with IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting. Use the specific ORI/OCA codes provided in the board's background check instructions.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Submit Required Documentation ▾Upload or mail a signed passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, two letters of recommendation, high school diploma/GED, and a current CPR card.
-
Pass Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam ▾After your application is received, the Board will email you credentials to access the online, open-book Ethics and Jurisprudence exam.
-
Wait for Board Approval ▾Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. You will receive a notification once your registration is approved and added to the state registry.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Submit Registration Application ▾Complete the standard RDA application via the LARS portal and indicate prior licensure in other states.
Start Application -
Request License Verifications ▾Contact every state where you have ever held a dental license and request an official verification be sent directly to the Tennessee Board.
-
Provide Certification Proof ▾If you hold certifications (e.g., Radiology) in another state, submit the curriculum and proof of completion for board review.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Tennessee Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $75 |
| Endorsement application | $75 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Application Forms
▾
Leaving questions blank or failing to sign the application will result in a deficiency letter and a 60-day deadline to correct.
Missing Recommendation Details
▾
Letters of recommendation must be from licensed dental professionals and must be on official letterhead with original signatures.
Background Check Errors
▾
Using the wrong ORI or OCA code during fingerprinting prevents the board from receiving your results.
Jurisprudence Exam Delay
▾
Failing to complete the online exam after receiving the emailed link will stall the final issuance of the registration.
Questions
Do I need to attend a dental assisting school to become an RDA in Tennessee?
▾
No, Tennessee does not require formal dental assisting education for basic RDA registration, though it is required for certain expanded functions like Coronal Polishing.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Registered Dental Assistants must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of chemical dependency education.
Can I work as a dental assistant before my registration is approved?
▾
You may work as a 'Practical Dental Assistant' (PDA) while receiving on-the-job training, but you cannot perform expanded functions until registered and certified.
What is the minimum age for registration?
▾
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Board Info
Sources