Texas.gov Payment Services: On Friday, May 1, 2026 from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. CT the agency's online services will be down for scheduled maintenance. Please be advised that during this downtime, licensees will be unable to access online services.

Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray Certification

General License Requirements

To legally position or expose dental x-rays, a dental assistant must hold a Dental Assistant Radiology Certificate issued by the State Board of Dental Examiners (Board).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Fees: Pay all necessary application, examination, and licensing fees.
  • Education: Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  • Criminal History: Submit fingerprints for a criminal history record check.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS): Successfully complete a current, hands-on basic life support (BLS) course. Online courses are not accepted.
  • Training and Examination (One of the following):
    • Have successfully completed a course of instruction and passed an examination administered by a TSBDE-approved provider. (Click here for the current list of approved courses/exams)
    • Hold a current certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and have passed the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment within one year of the application submission date.

Human Trafficking Prevention Course Requirement:

  • Effective October 1, 2021, applicants for licensure or registration with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) must complete a course in human trafficking prevention.
  • This course must be approved by the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • Proof of completion must be submitted with the application, in addition to all other required documentation.
  • Information on approved courses is available here.

Application Documentation Submission:

  • All necessary documentation can be uploaded and attached directly to your online application, with the exception of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report and licensure verification(s).

Military Applicants:  Follow the following link for specific application information. https://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/military-licensing/

Other Professional License, Permit, or Registration

  • Self-Reporting Prior Registration: You MUST self-report your previously issued dental assistant registration, nurse, pharmacy technician, etc. from any other state or country. Failure to do so will result in licensure processing delays. For each license you have ever held, you must obtain verification of the status of that license and list the information on the application. The verification must include the license number, the date issued, the current status, its expiration date, and whether any disciplinary action, sanction, or restriction was issued. A copy of the license alone is not acceptable. Verification must be received in its own sealed unopened envelope from the issuing entity.

Texas RDA Reinstatement

Online Application Process

To begin your application for an Initial Dental Assistant License by Examination, please follow these steps:

  1. Register or Log In:
    • Navigate to the secure online account system.
    • If you do not have an account, register for a new one. If you are a returning user, simply log in.
  2. Set Up Your Account:
    • User ID: Use a personal email address (do not use an email assigned by your college).
    • You will receive a temporary password via email from donotreply@hpc.state.tx.us.
    • Log in with the temporary password and create a permanent password. Be sure to record your user ID (email) and permanent password.
  3. Start Your Application:
    • From the Quick Start Menu, select Start a New Application.
    • Choose Board: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
    • Choose Application: Initial Dental Assistant by Exam.
  4. Complete and Submit:
    • Fill out the application completely.
    • Submit the required fees using a MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.
    • Important: You will receive an email confirmation of your application and payment summary, along with instructions for the required fingerprinting session. Note that your application is not complete until you have also mailed in the required supporting documents listed separately.

Apply Online

Supplemental Documents

  • 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.
    • a valid, unexpired driver’s license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States that complies with the minimum document requirements and issuance standards for federal recognition under the REAL ID Act of 2005, Public Law 109-13, unless the driver’s license is marked “Limited Term” or “Temporary”;
    • a valid, unexpired driver’s license or state identification certificate that does not comply with REAL ID issued by one of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming;
    • a valid passport. Valid passport is defined as: (i) an unexpired passport or passport card issued by the United States government; or (ii) an unexpired passport issued by the government of another country accompanied by a current permanent resident card or unexpired immigrant visa issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security;
    • a valid, unexpired license to carry a handgun issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H;
    • a United States Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570); or
    • a United States Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561);
  • Copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification, must include hands on demonstration of skills.
  • 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
  • Proof of completion of TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment dated within one year immediately prior to application submission.
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query.  Report results must remain in the original sealed envelope.  NPDB self-query reports are valid for 60 days. Contact the NPDB at telephone number (800) 767-6732, or website http://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/howToGetStarted.jsp.
  • For applicants who hold or have every held a professional license, permit or registration (dental assistant, nurse, pharmacy technician, etc.) in Texas, or any other state including the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners: For each license you have ever held, you must obtain verification of the status of that license and list the information on the application. The verification must include the license number, the date issued, the current status, its expiration date, and whether any disciplinary action, sanction, or restriction was issued. A copy of the license alone is not acceptable. Verification must be received in its own sealed unopened envelope.

Processing Timeline:

The typical processing time for a completed application is 3–4 weeks from the date of receipt. Please anticipate longer processing times during peak graduation season or if your application involves a criminal history or disciplinary action.

Before Checking Status:

Allow a minimum of four (4) weeks after mailing the NPDB (National Practitioner Data Bank report), fingerprint receipt, and/or verification of licensure to the office before checking your status from your online licensing account.

Checking for Deficiencies:

Access this information from the “Quick Start Menu” under “View Application Status” and select “Details.” If your application status is “Open” and has been reviewed, you can find any noted deficiencies.

Application Approval

Once your online application is approved, the online status will show as “closed.” You will receive an automated approval email from AWS-TXHPC-NoReply@micropact.com with the subject line: “New Message from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.”

To view your approval letter and a copy of your Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certificate, log into your online account, navigate to the “Additional Activities” section, and select “Secure Mailbox.” Your initial registration period may be valid for 18–30 months.

You may also use the board’s website to Search Licensees and verify your license.

License Validity and Future Renewals

Your first license may be valid for a period between 18 and 30 months. A renewal postcard reminder will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the TSBDE about 60 days before your license’s expiration date.

Additional Information

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Requirement. BLS courses must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.
  • Name Changes. If your name has changed since you completed any licensing exam or were licensed in another state or country, you are required to submit documentation that verifies the name on your application.
  • Nitrous Oxide Monitoring – You must hold an active radiology dental assistant (RDA) registration before submitting an application to monitor nitrous oxide.
  • Change of Address. Licensees are required to notify the Board within 60 days of a change in address. This change is available once your online account has been established.
  • 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.