How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas

Who can apply

• A dentist may delegate only reversible acts to a dental assistant. A dental assistant does not need a state credential for basic duties.
• To position or expose dental x-rays you must hold a Dental Assistant Radiology Certificate, which makes you a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
• RDA applicants need a high school diploma or GED, a fingerprint criminal history check, and a current hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) course. Online-only BLS is not accepted.
• RDA applicants also need a TSBDE-approved course and exam, or a current DANB certificate plus the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment.
• All applicants must complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by Texas HHSC.

Step by step

1. Get a high school diploma or GED and complete a hands-on BLS course.
2. Take and pass a TSBDE-approved RDA (radiology) course and exam. If you hold a current DANB certificate, you can instead pass the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment (within one year before you apply).
3. Complete an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course.
4. Create an account in the Texas online licensing system and submit the 'Initial Dental Assistant by Exam' application with fees.
5. Upload your supporting documents (passport photo, ID copy, BLS card, course certificate, trafficking course certificate) to the online application. Complete fingerprinting, and mail the sealed NPDB self-query report and any license verifications.
6. After approval, view your RDA certificate in your online account's Secure Mailbox.
7. Renew every two years with 12 hours of CE and a current BLS card.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: No training is required for basic duties. For x-rays, you need a TSBDE-approved RDA course and exam, offered by CODA-accredited programs or dental professional organizations. The course may be online. Coronal polishing needs a CODA-accredited dental assisting program that covers it, or at least 8 hours of clinical and didactic education through a CODA-accredited school, taken after at least one year of experience. Pit and fissure sealants need at least two years of experience, current BLS, and at least 8 hours of education through a Board-approved, CODA-accredited program. Nitrous oxide monitoring needs at least 8 hours of approved didactic education and testing, and the course counts for five years.

Exam: The RDA radiology exam is given by the approved course provider. Each exam has at least 50 questions and a minimum passing score of 70%. The provider sets its own retake policy and cost. If your course and exam were taken more than a year before you apply, or you apply with a DANB certificate, you must also pass the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment.

What it costs in Texas

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

How long it takes

TSBDE says a completed application typically takes 3-4 weeks to process, longer in peak graduation season or if there is criminal or disciplinary history.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: Renew every two years online by midnight on the expiration date. Under Rule 114.12 you need 12 hours of CE every two years, at least 6 of them clinical, from Board-approved providers; there is no longer a per-year split. The Board adopted an amendment on May 8, 2026 that lets clinical hours also be done through Board-approved self-study or interactive computer courses (TSBDE's CE page still shows the older 6-hours-a-year wording). An HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course is a prerequisite to renewal. You also need a current hands-on BLS card. There is no grace period: late penalties apply at 1-90 days and again at 91-365 days, and a registration expired one year or more cannot be renewed.

Good to know in Texas

Duties without the dentist present: Under general supervision (dentist not in the office) a dental assistant may only take x-rays (if certified) and give interim treatment of a minor emergency to an existing patient (22 TAC 114.1).

Nitrous oxide monitoring: This is a separate certificate added to your online account. TSBDE says processing takes 7-10 business days.

Prior licenses: You must self-report any previous dental assistant, nursing, pharmacy technician or other professional license from any state or country, with verification sent in a sealed envelope from the issuing agency.

Cancelled registration: A cancelled RDA registration cannot be renewed. You must apply again and meet all current requirements, or follow the reinstatement process.

Sources

• TSBDE - Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray Certification
• TSBDE - Dental Assistant Renewal
• TSBDE - CE Information and Submission for RDAs
• TSBDE - Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
• TSBDE - Fee Schedule
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code 114.1 - Permitted Duties (Cornell LII)
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code 114.2 - Registration of Dental Assistants (Cornell LII)
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code 114.3 - Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cornell LII)
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code 114.5 - Coronal Polishing (Cornell LII)
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code 114.21 - Dental Assistant Registration Courses and Examinations (Cornell LII)
• TSBDE - Recent Rule Adoptions (Rule 114.12 adopted May 8, 2026)