How to Become a Dental Assistant in Indiana

Who can apply

• Indiana does not license basic dental assistants. They work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
• No one may operate a radiation machine without a current license, certificate or permit from IDOH (410 IAC 5.2-3-1). Dental assistants who take x-rays need a limited dental radiography license.
• Indiana has no reciprocity for x-ray credentials: a permit, license or certificate from another state is not accepted.
• Coronal polishing and applying caries-preventive medicaments (topical fluoride) need at least 1 year of employment in a dental practice or graduation from a CODA-accredited program, plus a Board-approved course (828 IAC 6-1).

Step by step

1. Enroll in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or an IDOH-approved limited dental radiography program.
2. Get the IDOH permit you need for clinical x-ray training in Indiana: a student dental radiography permit (CODA program) or a provisional radiography permit (IDOH-approved program).
3. Complete clinical training until a licensed practitioner or program director certifies your proficiency (IDOH-approved programs use the Application for Proficiency Certification for Limited Radiographer form).
4. Pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
5. Mail the Application for Radiology License with a $60 check or money order, a copy of your diploma or certificate, proof of passing the DANB exam, and the clinical training form if required.
6. Renew before the license expires two years after issuance.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: To take x-rays you must complete a CODA-accredited dental radiography program or an IDOH-approved limited dental radiography program, plus clinical training certified as proficient. Approved limited programs must be competency-based and cover health care fundamentals, terminology, patient care, anatomy, image production, equipment, radiation protection and dental radiographic procedures. Coronal polishing needs a CODA-accredited or Board-approved course of at least 5 hours didactic, 2 hours lab (mannequin and 2 live patients), and competency on at least 5 patients. Topical fluoride needs at least 9 hours didactic, 2 hours lab and competency on at least 5 patients.

Exam: For the limited dental radiography license you must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, or another exam approved by IDOH. DANB sets its own exam fees and retake rules.

What it costs in Indiana

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: Radiology licenses expire on the last day of the month two years after issuance. The renewal fee is $60, plus a $60 late fee if your renewal arrives after expiration. Renew at least 30 days before expiration by paper, or at least 48 hours before if renewing online. You may not take x-rays on an expired license. Report name or address changes to IDOH within 30 days.

Good to know in Indiana

What the license allows: A limited dental radiography license lets you perform any dental radiographic procedure ordered by a practitioner.

Display rules: Your coronal polishing or fluoride course certificate must be publicly displayed in the dental office, and the dentist must verify your training before delegating these duties.

Out-of-state polishing or fluoride training: If your out-of-state CODA program or course matches Indiana's hours and curriculum, provide the syllabus. If it falls short, you must finish the lab and clinical competency parts at a Board-approved Indiana course.

Abandoned applications: An x-ray license application is considered abandoned if it is not completed within 6 months of filing.

Training permits: Student and provisional radiography permits are free. A provisional permit (for IDOH-approved programs) expires six months after it takes effect and cannot be renewed, so finish clinical training and the exam in that window; otherwise you must stop taking x-rays until you are licensed. Student permits expire six months after graduation.

Sources

• IDOH - Requirements to obtain a first-time Dental Radiographer License
• 410 IAC 5.2-10-1 - Limited dental radiography license eligibility (Cornell LII)
• 410 IAC 5.2-3-1 - License required to operate a radiation machine (Cornell LII)
• 410 IAC 5.2-4-2 - License expiration and renewal (Cornell LII)
• 828 IAC 6-1-1 - Caries prevention (Cornell LII)
• 828 IAC 6-1-2 - Coronal polishing (Cornell LII)
• 828 IAC 6-1-5 - Out-of-state training (Cornell LII)
• 410 IAC 5.2-4-8 - Fees (Cornell LII)
• 410 IAC 5.2-3-3 - Provisional permit requirements (Cornell LII)
• IDOH Program Advisory - Approval process for student permits