How to Become a Dental Assistant in Nebraska

Checked against Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit, with the Board of Dentistry · Verified 2026-10-16

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $95 initial Licensed Dental Assistant license fee, or $25 if issued in January-February of odd years or September-December of even years.
Regulated by: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit, with the Board of Dentistry

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Who can apply

Under Legislative Bill 18, dental assistants may keep working unlicensed or get a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) license. Unlicensed assistants are limited to the duties DHHS lists.
Unlicensed assistants who take x-rays must be at least 18 and have completed an approved dental radiography course, passed DANB's CDA exam, or completed an ADA-accredited dental assisting program that taught radiography.
Licensed Dental Assistant applicants must have passed DANB's CDA exam and either graduated from an accredited dental assisting program or earned 1,500 hours of dental assisting experience in the past five years.
All LDA applicants must pass the Nebraska dental assistant jurisprudence exam with at least 75 percent, and must be at least 19 years old under the Uniform Credentialing Act.

Step by step

Work as an unlicensed dental assistant under a licensed dentist, or start on the path to a Licensed Dental Assistant license.
Pass DANB's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and have DANB send verification directly to DHHS.
Graduate from an accredited dental assisting program, or document 1,500 hours of dental assisting experience in the past five years on the DHHS Employment Verification form.
Pass the Nebraska dental assistant jurisprudence exam with a score of at least 75 percent.
Mail the Application for License to Practice as a Dental Assistant with proof of citizenship or lawful presence and the license fee ($95, or $25 if issued in the months just before renewal).
Renew by March 1 of odd-numbered years with 30 hours of continuing education.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: No training is required for basic unlicensed assisting. To take x-rays, an unlicensed assistant must complete a dental radiography course at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry (Lincoln), Creighton University School of Dentistry (Omaha) or Central Community College (Hastings), pass DANB's CDA exam, or complete an ADA-accredited dental assisting course that includes radiography. Coronal polishing requires graduation from an ADA program that includes it, or one year (1,500 hours) of clinical experience plus a Board-approved polishing course. Expanded scope functions and restorative permits require Board-approved courses.

Exam: The Licensed Dental Assistant license requires DANB's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and the Nebraska dental assistant jurisprudence exam (minimum score 75 percent). Expanded Function Restorative Level I and II permits also require the Nebraska Expanded Function jurisprudence exam (minimum 75 percent) and the relevant section of a Board-approved practical exam. Unlicensed assistants do not take a state exam.

Practice for the dental assistant exam free — radiation safety, infection control, chairside skills and dental materials →

What it costs in Nebraska

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

Licensed Dental Assistant initial license ($25 if issued in the months just before renewal; waivers available)$95
DANB CDA exam$
Preliminary Application Conviction Review (optional)$100
Approved dental radiography course (unlicensed assistants who take x-rays)(optional)$

Estimated total in Nebraska$95Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

DANB CDA exam fees.
Preliminary Application Conviction Review: $100 per license type, if you choose to request one.
Approved radiography, coronal polishing or expanded function course tuition, if needed.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: Licenses renew March 1 of odd-numbered years. You need 30 hours of acceptable continuing education in the 24 months before expiration (see 172 NAC 56). DHHS audits after renewal; keep CE records for at least 4 years and do not send certificates unless asked. A license can be placed on inactive status at any time.

Good to know in Nebraska

What unlicensed assistants may do: With the supervising dentist physically on the premises, an unlicensed assistant may monitor nitrous oxide (with current Board-approved CPR), place topical local anesthetic, and take x-rays or do coronal polishing after meeting the education or experience requirements.

Fee waiver: Since January 1, 2020, the initial license fee is waived if you are 18 to 25 years old, are low-income (public assistance or household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline), or are in a military family. The waiver does not cover the criminal background check fee.

Reciprocity: You can be licensed by reciprocity if you were licensed in another state and actively practiced dental assisting for at least three years, with one of those years within the last three years. You still must pass the Nebraska jurisprudence exam.

Expanded functions: Licensed Dental Assistants can add expanded scope functions (impressions for fixed and removable prosthodontics, cementing prefabricated crowns on primary teeth, nitrous oxide administration) after an approved course. Restorative Level I (one-surface fillings) requires 1,500 hours as an LDA, the expanded function jurisprudence exam, a Board-approved course and a practical exam; Level II (multi-surface) also requires a Level I permit.

Military training: Training, education or service from the U.S. armed forces may be accepted toward the education requirements if it is substantially similar (Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1,141).

Application rules: LDA applicants must also send proof of high school graduation or its equivalent. Practicing as a licensed dental assistant before the license is issued can bring an administrative penalty of $10 per day up to $1,000. You have 90 days to complete your application; after that it is closed and you must start a new one.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensure Unit, with the Board of Dentistry before you apply.