Dental Assisting Requirements

Texas

In Texas, you can earn Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) status by registering with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

Status

Registered Dental Assistant

Online Course

8 hours + exam

Board Phone

(512) 463-6400

What You Need to Know

Becoming an RDA takes four steps after you graduate. The TSBDE website has a lot of good information, so if you have a question, check there first. For application questions, call the TSBDE at (512) 463-6400.

Don't Miss This

We're required by the Texas Workforce Commission to report your hiring status every year. Let Career Services know when one of these applies. Only fill out the form that matches your situation:

Your Step-by-Step

Take the RDA course and exam. An 8-hour online course with timed exams on jurisprudence (15 questions), infection control (10) and radiology (25). You'll have 30 days to finish. You can log out during presentations, but exams can't be paused. Print your completion certificate.
Complete human trafficking prevention training. Several approved courses are free. Save your proof of completion.
Apply with the TSBDE. Fill out the Dental Assistant Registration application and pay the fee. Follow the "Online Application Instructions" section on the TSBDE site.
Submit fingerprints and an NPDB report. After you apply, submit fingerprints and a National Practitioner Data Bank Self-Query Report. Keep it in its original sealed envelope and attach it to your application. It's valid for 60 days. NPDB: (800) 767-6732.