Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray Certification

A dental assistant may not position or expose dental x-rays unless the dental assistant holds a dental assistant radiology registration issued by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Registration Requirements

To be eligible for a registration under this section, an applicant must have;

  • Paid all application, examination, and licensing fees.
  • Have graduated from an accredited high school or hold a certificate of high school equivalency, General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  • Submit fingerprints for the retrieval of criminal history record information.
  • Have successfully completed a current hands-on course in basic life support (BLS) – ONLINE COURSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE,
  • Have taken and passed a course of instruction and an examination administered by an approved TSBDE provider (click here for the current list of approved courses/exams), or
  • Hold a current certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and have taken and passed the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment within one year from the date the application is submitted.
  • Have completed a course in human trafficking prevention approved by the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission within one year of submitting an application. For information on where to find approved courses, please click here.

Online Application Instructions

  • Register for a secure online account. If an account exists, simply log-in.
    • User ID (email) – use a personal email address (not assigned by college)
  • From the  Quick Start Menu, Under Start a New Application ⇢ Choose Board → Texas State Board of Dental Examiners → Choose Application →Initial Dental Assistant by Exam from the left hand side of the page. See below for picture:
    • You will have the ability to upload the required documents to your online application however the online application will not be reviewed until we have received the sealed unopened envelope of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report along with a copy of the IdentoGo receipt.
    • For applicants who have held a license in another state/jurisdiction: A verification of licensure with imprint of state seal issued from the state board of dentistry in which the applicant has ever held a Dental Assistant permit/registration. A copy of the permit or registration is not acceptable.
    • Please note that you MUST self-report your previously issued dental assistant registration even if it was issued by TSBDE. Failure to do so will result in licensure processing delays.
    • If the RDA registration has been canceled, you MUST answer, “Yes” on the license history question #2 on the application and submit a signed and notarized affidavit explained in detail. Failure to disclose any of the requested information may result in the denial of your application or other appropriate action.
  • Complete the application; submit fees with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.

The following documents must be uploaded and attached to your online application;

  • 1- 2×2 passport photo
    • Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view
    • You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
    • Use a plain white or off-white background.
    • Be sized correctly
  • Copy of driver’s license, naturalization papers, or passport. (The name on this legal document must match the supporting documents and name on the application)
  • Copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification, must include hands on demonstration of skills. Online courses are not acceptable.
  • Proof of successful completion of a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course. If the RDA course/exam was taken over a year from the date of submitting your application, you will need to take and successfully pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment from the board’s website or a copy of your current DANB CDA Card. If you are submitting a DANB card, please note you are also required to complete the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment.
  • Proof of the Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Human Trafficking Course completion certificate

Application and payment summaries will be emailed to you along with the required fingerprint information session. If you do not see this information in your email box, be sure to check your SPAM or TRASH folder. Please note this does not complete your application process.

The following documents MUST be mailed to the TSBDE at 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 8.600 Austin, Texas 78701 after you submit your online application;

  • For applicants who have held a license in another state/jurisdiction: A verification of licensure with imprint of state seal issued from the state board of dentistry in which the applicant has ever held a Dental Assistant permit/registration. A copy of the permit or registration is not acceptable.
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query Report. The report results must remain in the original sealed envelope and be attached to your application. NPDB self-query reports are valid for 60 days. You may contact the NPDB at (800) 767-6732 or at http://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/howToGetStarted.jsp.
  • Copy of IdentoGO fingerprint receipt.

Application Process

Please do not contact the Licensing Division to check the status of your application unless it has been longer than four (4) weeks since you have mailed the NPDB, fingerprint receipt, and/or the verification of licensure and you have not been contacted via mail. Applications are processed in the order received. The estimated processing turnaround time is 4-6 weeks from the receipt of a completed application. Applicants should expect longer processing times during graduation season. Applicants with a criminal history or disciplinary action may expect a longer processing time. Incomplete applications will delay the process. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure no required documents have expired during this process.

Once your application has been approved, the status of your online application will be closed. The RDA certificate will be mailed to the address on file. Allow 7-10 business days to receive your certificate from the date your application was approved. Your first registration may be valid between 18-30 months. After you renew your registration it will be valid for two (2) years on your birth month. After the RDA license has been issued you are required to begin taking continuing education. Click HERE for more information.

You may also verify your license from the board’s website under Search Licensees.

Military Applicants: U.S. Military Active Duty, Veterans, and U.S. Military Active Duty Spouses applying using their military credentials may not apply online. A paper application is required since no application fee is charged. All supplemental documents are required along with a copy of your Military Change of Station Orders, Identification Card or a document showing proof of Honorable or General Discharge.

Additional Information

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Requirement. Course must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.
  • Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide – You must hold an active radiology dental assistant (RDA) registration before submitting an application to monitor nitrous oxide.
  • Application Name must match your legal name which can be found on your driver’s license, identification card, or passport. The name must match all documents.
  • Not sure if a RDA course/exam is board approved? Click HERE to view the current approved list.
  • If you have completed a program approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) be sure you contact the program director to ensure you submit the correct document to the TSBDE for the purposes of registration.
  • Address changes can be made via your online licensing account.