{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":"https://dial.iowa.gov/about-dial/contact-us","board_email":"IDB@iowa.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Iowa Dental Board","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(515) 281-5157","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Fingerprint cards that are smudged or incomplete can be rejected by the FBI, adding weeks to the processing time. Ensure prints are clear and black ink is used.","title":"Background Check Processing"},{"description":"If exams were not taken through a board-integrated system, failure to upload or send official score reports will stall the application.","title":"Missing Exam Scores"},{"description":"Applications are often delayed if the CPR certification does not specify a 'hands-on' component or is expired.","title":"Incomplete CPR Documentation"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:10:59.093287+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Request official verification of your dental assistant license or registration from every state where you have held one.","title":"Verify Out-of-State License","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Submit evidence of at least six months of dental assisting experience within the last five years.","title":"Provide Proof of Experience","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete the Iowa Jurisprudence and Infection Control exams if not already taken through a board-approved equivalent.","title":"Pass Iowa Exams","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Apply through the DIAL portal and pay the required registration and background check fees.","title":"Submit Endorsement Application","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"Effective July 1, 2025, registration is optional for dental assistants. However, anyone who takes x-rays must still obtain and maintain a radiography qualification (XDA or QDA).","question":"Is registration required to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa?"},{"answer":"The application fee is $40 for registration only, $40 for radiography only, or $60 for a combined registration and radiography qualification. A separate $46 fee is required for the background check.","question":"What are the fees for dental assistant registration?"},{"answer":"Registered dental assistants must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. This must include 1 hour of infection control and 1 hour of Iowa jurisprudence. Those with radiography qualifications must also include 2 hours of dental radiography.","question":"How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?"},{"answer":"Yes, you may work as a 'Dental Assistant Trainee' while completing your clinical competency and exam requirements under the supervision of a licensed dentist.","question":"Can I work while I am still in training?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":40.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"Required for applicants who trained on the job or have out-of-state experience to verify clinical competency.","name":"Affidavit of Employment","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Required for graduates of CODA-accredited programs to verify educational completion.","name":"Certification of Dental Assistant Education","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Proof of current CPR certification from a nationally recognized provider that includes a hands-on clinical component.","name":"CPR Certification","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Completed fingerprint cards for the DCI and FBI criminal history background check.","name":"Fingerprint Cards","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"iowa-da","state_name":"Iowa","state_slug":"iowa","statutes_url":"https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/chapters?agency=481","steps":[{"description":"Work as a dental assistant trainee under the supervision of a dentist to achieve clinical competency, or graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.","title":"Complete Required Training","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Successfully complete exams in Iowa Jurisprudence and Infection Control/Hazardous Materials. If you intend to take x-rays, you must also pass a Dental Radiography exam.","title":"Pass Board-Approved Examinations","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Register for an account on the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) portal to begin your application.","title":"Create a Portal Account","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Complete the online application for registration (RDA), radiography (XDA), or both (QDA). Pay the application fee ($40-$60) and the background check fee ($46).","title":"Submit Application and Pay Fees","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Request a fingerprint packet from the Board or follow the instructions in the portal to complete the criminal history background check.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Once the Board reviews your documents and background check, you can verify your active status through the public search tool.","title":"Verify Registration Status","url":null,"url_label":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-05-31T08:47:11.267322+00:00","verify_license_url":null}