Wisconsin Dental Assistant License
Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Form EFDA001 — Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Education and Training Verification form completed by your program.
- Verification of Hours — Documentation of 1,000 or 2,000 hours of dental assistant practice, verified by a supervising licensed dentist.
- CPR/AED Certification — Proof of current proficiency in CPR and AED from an approved provider.
- Form 2252 — Convictions and Pending Charges form, required if you have a criminal history.
- DANB CDA Certificate — Required only if applying via the 1,000-hour experience pathway. DANB Website
How to Apply
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Verify Employment and Experience ▾Wisconsin does not license entry-level dental assistants. To pursue the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) certification, you must first complete either 1,000 hours of practice with a DANB CDA credential or 2,000 hours of practice verified by a supervising dentist.
View EFDA Requirements -
Complete Accredited EFDA Training ▾Successfully complete an accredited instructional program for EFDAs that includes at least 70 hours of classroom instruction as required by Wis. Stat. § 447.035(3)(b)2.
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Obtain CPR/AED Certification ▾Maintain current proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) through a board-approved provider.
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Create a LicensE Account ▾Register for an account on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) self-guided portal, LicensE.
Register on LicensE -
Submit EFDA Application ▾Complete the online application for Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary certification and pay the $30 initial credential fee.
Start Application -
Upload Supporting Documentation ▾Upload your education verification (Form EFDA001), proof of hours, and CPR certification directly into the LicensE portal.
Download Forms
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Review Wisconsin Standards ▾Wisconsin does not have a direct reciprocity agreement for EFDAs. Out-of-state applicants must demonstrate their training meets the 70-hour accredited program requirement.
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Submit Standard Application ▾Apply via the LicensE portal as an initial applicant, providing proof of your out-of-state education and experience.
Apply via LicensE -
Temporary Credential ▾If you hold a valid license in another state, you may be eligible for a temporary credential while your permanent Wisconsin application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board
Keeping Your License Active
Wisconsin Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
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Slow Downs
Incomplete Hours Verification
▾
Failure to have the supervising dentist properly sign off on the required 1,000 or 2,000 hours of practice.
Non-Accredited Training
▾
Completing an EFDA course that does not meet the 70-hour classroom instruction requirement or is not from an accredited institution.
Background Check Issues
▾
Failing to disclose convictions or submit Form 2252 can lead to significant delays or denial.
Expired CPR Certification
▾
Submitting a CPR card that is expired or from a non-approved provider (e.g., online-only courses without a hands-on component).
Questions
Does Wisconsin require a license for basic dental assistants?
▾
No. Entry-level dental assistants in Wisconsin are not licensed or registered by the state and may be trained on the job.
Are there state requirements for dental X-rays in Wisconsin?
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No. Wisconsin has no state-mandated radiography certification or exam for dental assistants; they may legally operate X-ray equipment under dentist supervision.
What is an EFDA in Wisconsin?
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An Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) is a certified professional permitted to perform advanced duties like placing restorations and sealants under a dentist's supervision.
Does the EFDA certification expire?
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No. Once granted, the EFDA certification is permanent and does not require periodic renewal, though continuing education is required to maintain it.
What are the CE requirements for EFDAs?
▾
EFDAs must complete continuing education as specified in Wisconsin Administrative Code DE 16, typically involving 12 hours of relevant coursework per biennium.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes