Dental Assistants | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

Dental Assistants | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Dental Assistants
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Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants
Definition of Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants in Training
Categories of Dental Assistants
Application for Registration, Radiography Qualification
Scope of Practice for Registered Dental Assistants
Expanded Functions
Laws & Rules
Dental Assistant FAQs
Application & Renewal Fees
Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants
List items for Changes to Practice Requirements for Dental Assistants
Effective July 1, 2025, registration will no longer be required to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa. Registration continues to be an option for those who are interested.
Please note
that Iowa law still requires dental assistants who take x-rays to obtain and hold a current qualification in dental radiography.
Registration/qualification numbers begin with one of the following designations.
RDA
: Registered Dental Assistant一No Radiography Qualification
QDA
: Registered Dental Assistant with a Radiography Qualification
XDA
: Radiography Qualification一Non-Registered Dental Assistants and Licensed Nurses
Dental Radiography Qualification
As referenced in the section above, dental assistants who take dental x-rays are still required to hold an active qualification in dental radiography pursuant to
Iowa Code Chapter 136C
. Dental assistants who choose not to renew the registration will have the option to renew and maintain the qualification in dental radiography.
Information about Renewal
Dental assistants who currently hold a registration (RDA), or a registration and qualification in dental radiography (QDA), will need to submit a renewal application if they want to renew the registration and/or radiography qualification.
Dental assistants who choose to not renew a registration
and/or radiography qualification, do not need to take any action. On Nov. 1, 2025, registrations and qualifications that were not renewed will lapse and become invalid for practice.
Renewal Options for Current Dental Assistants Who Hold a Registration and Qualification
If submitting a renewal, dental assistants who hold a registration and radiography qualification (QDA) will need to indicate the preference for renewal. Below is information and summary of the renewal options that will be available.
Remain a Registered & Qualified Dental Assistant (QDA)
Answer "Yes" to the question about whether to renew the registration.
The database will have the dental assistant complete the typical QDA renewal.
The dental assistant's registration number will remain the same.
Renew Only the Radiography Qualification without Registration (XDA)
Answer "No" to the question about whether to renew the registration.
The database will have the dental assistant complete the standard XDA renewal application.
A new XDA number will be issued, and be reflected on the e-card received following renewal.
A new certificate will not be issued. The e-card will serve as your evidence of current qualification in dental radiography.
If you are uncertain about whether or not to renew your registration,
you have until Oct. 31, 2025, to make a decision regarding renewal. Additionally, please consult your employer to verify what requirements or preferences, if any, he or she may have.
Online Services
Apply for a License, Registration or Permit Online
Use our online service portal for application, renewal, reports & payments. Some services require a user account.
Access the online services portal
Dental Assistant Registration
Learn about how to apply for or renew your dental assistant registration.
Dental Assistant Registration
Requirements for registration as a dental assistant in Iowa.
Dental Assistant Study Guide
Reference materials for infection control and jurisprudence in Iowa.
CDC Infection Control Standards for Dental Offices
Compliance with categories IA, IB and IC are required by Iowa law.
Dental Radiography Study Guide
Archived
Reference materials for taking dental x-rays in Iowa.
List of Testing Sites
Complete list of community college testing sites that regularly administer the board examinations in jurisprudence, infection control, and dental radiography.
To schedule a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assistant examination, please contact the testing site of your choice at least 10 days prior to the exam date. A proctor fee will be paid directly to the community college testing site.
ANKENY:
Des Moines Area Community College
Testing Center Bldg. 6, Room 23
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023-8995
Joanne Purtill
Email:
jmpurtill@dmacc.edu
or
ankenytestingcenter@dmacc.edu
Phone:
515.964.6595
BETTENDORF:
Eastern Iowa Community College
Scott Community College Testing Center
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Email:
scctestcenter@eicc.edu
Phone:
563.441.4088
BURLINGTON:
Southeastern Community College
1500 West Agency Road
West Burlington, IA 52655
Email:
successcenter@scciowa.edu
Phone:
319.208.5155
CALMAR:
Northeast Iowa Community College
Wilder Business Center
Highway 150 South, Box 400
Calmar, IA 52132
Contact: Kathy Donovan
Email:
donovanka@nicc.edu
Phone:
844.642.2338 ext. 1495
CARROLL:
DMACC Carroll Campus
Testing Center, 906 N Grant Road #157
Carroll, IA 51401
Contact: Holly Hoffman
Email:
carrolltestingcenter@dmacc.edu
or
hlhoffman3@dmacc.edu
Phone:
712.792.1755
CEDAR RAPIDS:
Kirkwood Community College
2055 Cedar Hall on the Kirkwood Campus
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W.
P.O. Box 2068
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Email:
testcenter@kirkwood.edu
Phone:
800.332.2055
CENTERVILLE:
Indian Hills Community College
Success Center, 721 N. First St.
Centerville, IA 52544
Contact: Tom Davis
Email:
tommy.davis@indianhills.edu
Phone:
800.670.3641 ext. 2207
or
641.856.2143 ext. 2214
CLINTON:
Clinton Community College
Testing Center, 1000 Lincoln Blvd
Clinton, IA  52732
Email:
ccctestcenter@eicc.edu
Phone:
563.244.7090
CORALVILLE:
Kirkwood Regional Test Center at Univ. Iowa
2301 Oakdale Blvd. Rm. 126
Coralville, IA 52241
Email:
test.center.ic@kirkwood.edu
Phone:
319.887.3642
COUNCIL BLUFFS:
Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Contact: Cara Trede
Email:
testing@iwcc.edu
Phone:
712.325.3277
or
800.432.5852
CRESTON:
Southwestern Community College
1501 West Townline St.
Creston, IA 50801
Contact: Lisa Shawler
Email:
shawler@swcciowa.edu
Contact: Casie Klejch (Director)
Email:
klejch@swcciowa.edu
Phone:
800.247.4023 ext. 330
or
641.782.1320
DES MOINES
DMACC Urban Campus
1100 7th St, Bldg 1, Room 117
Des Moines, IA  50314
Contact: Roberta Morgan
Email:
rmmorgan@dmacc.edu
Phone:
515.697.7809
Schedule online at
uctestingcenter@dmacc.edu
DES MOINES
DMACC Southridge Center
1111 E Army Post RD, Suite 2004, Room 3A
Des Moines, IA 50315
Contact: Jane Rogers
Email:
jerogers@dmacc.edu
or
southridgetestingcenter@dmacc.edu
Phone:
515.287.8720
DUBUQUE/PEOSTA
Northeast Iowa Community College
700 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Contact: Russell Bahl
Email:
bahlr25104@nicc.edu
Phone:
844.642.2338 ext. 3251
EMMETSBURG
Iowa Lakes Community College
Success Center, 3200 College Drive
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Contact: Sara Kerr, (Tester Center Coordinator)
Email:
skerr@iowalakes.edu
Phone:
800.242.5108 ext. 5227
or
712.362.5315
FORT DODGE
Iowa Central Community College
1500 W Agency Road
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Contact: Amy Moffitt
Email:
moffitt_a@iowacentral.edu
Phone:
515.574.1044
KEOKUK
Southeastern Community College
335 Messenger Rd.
Keokuk, IA 52632
Email:
kktesting@scciowa.edu
Phone:
319.313.1943
MARSHALLTOWN
Iowa Valley Community College
Iowa Valley Education & Training Center
206 E Church St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Contact: Jon Nunez
Email:
Jon.Nunez@iavalley.edu
Phone:
641.754.1348
MASON CITY
North Iowa Area Community College
Student Learning Center, 500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
Contact: Leah Wipf
Email:
testing.center@niacc.edu
Phone:
888.466.4222 ext. 4237
or
641.422.4237
MUSCATINE
Muscatine Community College
152 Colorado St
Muscatine, IA 52761
Email:
mmctestcenter@eicc.edu
Contact: Bethany Owens
Email:
blowens@eicc.edu
Phone:
563.288.6056
(An Eastern Iowa Community College - EICC)
OTTUMWA
Indian Hills Community College
Attn: Testing Center
525 Grandview Ave.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Contact: Chuck Allen
Email:
callen@indianhills.edu
Phone:
641.683.5142
or
641.683.5233
SHELDON
Northwest Iowa Community College
603 West Park St.
Sheldon, IA 51201
Contact: Mariah Oliver (Director)
Email:
moliver@nwicc.edu
Contact: Keri Siebrecht
Email:
ksiebrecht@nwicc.edu
Phone:
800.352.4907
or
712.324.5061 ext. 112
SIOUX CITY
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Testing Center,
4647 Stone Ave., Building A
Sioux City, IA 51106
Email:
testcenter@witcc.edu
Phone:
800.352.4649
or
712.274.6443
WATERLOO
Hawkeye Community College
Student Services, Hawkeye Center, 2nd Floor,
1501 E. Orange Rd., P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, IA 50701
Contact: Marcy Gosse
Email:
marcy.gosse@hawkeyecollege.edu
Phone:
800.670.4769
or
319.296.4014
Definition of Dental Assistant
Dental assistant
” means any person who, under the supervision of a dentist, performs any extraoral services including infection control or the use of hazardous materials or performs any intraoral services on patients. The term “dental assistant” does not include persons otherwise actively licensed in Iowa to practice dental hygiene or nursing who are engaged in the practice of said profession.
Regulatory Update
Effective July 1, 2025,
changes to Iowa Code chapter 153
allow dental assistants to practice without the requirement for registration in Iowa. Iowa Code section 153.39, subsection 5, Code 2025, allows a person to practice as a dental assistant without registration “...if the person successfully completes a term of practical training under the supervision of a dentist.”
A term of practical training is equivalent to dental assistant trainee status. The primary difference is that dental assistants are no longer required to obtain registration to continue practicing after the training period.
Note
Registration continues to be an option for those who are interested. Registration for dental assistants performing expanded functions is optional. The board will discuss and initiate rulemaking to implement the statutory changes in the coming months.
Additional information about the regulatory changes is available for review:
2025 Iowa Acts House File 805.
Radiography Qualification Required
Iowa law still requires dental assistants who take x-rays to obtain and hold a current qualification in dental radiography in accordance with
Iowa Code section 136C.3
Although registration is no longer required to practice as a dental assistant, the requirements related to dental radiography remain the same. Dental assistants who take x-rays must be at least 18 years of age.
Dental assistants may continue to complete on-the-job training in dental radiography. Dental assistants who take x-rays in dental offices are required to successfully complete a board-approved dental radiography examination. After the dentist attests to training and competency in dental radiography, the dental assistant must submit an application for a qualification in dental radiography.
Dental Assistants in Training
Dental assistants may complete a practical course of on-the-job training to meet the requirements to practice as a dental assistant in Iowa. Dental assistants in training are required to work under personal supervision.
Personal supervision
” means a licensee or registrant is physically present in the room to oversee and instruct all services of the dental assistant trainee as delegated by a licensed dentist.
Important!
Dental assistants in training are prohibited from practicing under direct supervision or general supervision. Dentists must document the timeframe that a dental assistant was under training, and when the dentist determined that the dental assistant achieved competency. Documentation should be maintained in the office and made available upon request.
Categories of Dental Assistants
XDA
: Radiography Qualification for Non-Registered Dental Assistants or Licensed Nurses
Allowed to take x-rays.
Non-Registered
Dental Assistants
一No Radiography Qualification
Permitted to take x-rays as follows:
While in a practical course of training; or
If a radiography qualification has been issued to the dental assistant.
RDA
: Registered Dental Assistant一No Radiography Qualification
Not allowed to take x-rays.
QDA
: Registered Dental Assistant with a Radiography Qualification
Allowed to take x-rays.
Application for Registration, Radiography Qualification
Registration as a Dental Assistant (Optional)
While optional, dental assistants who are interested may obtain a registration as a dental assistant. An applicant for registration must have training and/or education as a dental assistant that meets one of the following:
Work in a dental office as a dental assistant in training until the dentist determines the applicant has achieved competency;
Have previous experience as dental assistant in another state within the previous five years; or
Be a graduate of an accredited dental assisting program approved by the board.
In order to become registered, dental assistants need to successfully complete board-approved examinations in the following areas:
Iowa jurisprudence.
Infection control and hazardous materials.
Dental radiography. Required only if applying for a qualification in dental radiography.
Radiography qualifications are required for dental assistants who will take dental x-rays following the practical course of training.
Application Types for Dental Assistants following Practical Training or Education
After completing a term of practical training or education in dental assisting and/or dental radiography, a dental assistant is required to submit an application for radiography qualification. Additionally, dental assistants have the option to also apply for registration. Below is a summary of the options for application, and the associated type.
Dental Radiography Qualification without Registration
: Complete the XDA* application.
Registration with a Dental Radiography Qualification
: Complete the QDA* application.
Registration without a Dental Radiography Qualification
: Complete the RDA application.
*Permitted to take x-rays after the practical course of training.
Scope of Practice for Registered Dental Assistants
Dental assistants may perform services as delegated by a licensed dentist.  The dentist assumes responsibility for the services provided by dental assistants under his or her supervision.
Services may be delegated to dental assistants who have been trained to perform those services.  Delegation should be made in regards for the best interest of the patient.  Services within the scope of practice include the following:
Placement and removal of dry socket medication;
Placement of periodontal dressings;
Testing pulp vitality;
Preliminary charting of existing dental restorations and teeth;
Glucose testing;
Phlebotomy; and
Expanded function procedures in accordance with
IAC 481—Chapter 577
Prohibitions to Scope of Practice
Dental assistants are prohibited from performing certain procedures, which include the following, except when performed using toothbrush, floss, or rubber cup coronal polish.
Diagnosis;
Surgical procedures that contribute to irreversible alteration to the oral anatomy;
Administration of local anesthesia;
Removal of plaque, stain, or hard natural or synthetic material; and
Removal of calculus
For more information, refer to
IAC 481—Chapter 575
Scope of Practice for Dental Assistants in Training
Dental assistants may perform most of the services included in the scope of practice; however, dental assistants in training must work under personal supervision.
Personal supervision
” means a licensee or registrant is physically present in the room to oversee and instruct all services of the dental assistant trainee as delegated by a licensed dentist.
Note
: Dental assistants in training are not eligible to train in or provide expanded function services,
Dental Radiography
Dental assistants in training may also engage in on-the-job training in dental radiography if they are 18 years of age or older.  Dental assistants in training may only take dental radiographs under personal supervision.
Expanded Functions
Expanded function procedures may be performed in accordance with
IAC 481—Chapter 577
. Registered or non-registered assistants may perform the expanded procedures for which board-approved training has been completed and documented. Out-of-state expanded function training must be approved by the board before providing those services in Iowa. Dental assistant registration is not required to enroll in expanded functions training; however training as a dental assistant must have been completed prior to training in expanded functions.
Note
: Dental assistants while in training are prohibited from training in or performing expanded functions.
Find additional information on expanded functions training here
Laws & Rules
List items for Laws & Rules for Dentistry - April 2025
Below are the statutes and administrative rules that pertain directly to the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in Iowa.
Laws are contained in the Iowa Code. They are enacted by the Iowa Legislature and provide statutory authority to the professional licensure boards.
Chapter 153 — Dentistry
New rules became effective April 9, 2025.
Iowa Administrative Code 481
Ch. 570 — Dental Board Administration
Ch. 571 — Dental Board Fees
Ch. 572 — Dental Licensure, Registration, Renewal, Reactivation and Reinstatement
Ch. 573 — Dental Continuing Education
Ch. 574 — General Requirements and Standards of Practice
Ch. 575 — Dental Assistants, Dental Radiography Qualifications, and Dental Laboratory Technicians
Ch. 576 — Dental Hygienists
Ch. 577 — Expanded Functions
Ch. 578 — Prescribing, Administering, and Dispensing Drugs
Ch. 579 — Sedation and Nitrous Oxide
Ch. 580 — Dental Board Complaints and Investigations
Ch. 581 — Dental Board Discipline
Laws & Rules: Health Professions Licensing Boards
The following Iowa Code chapters and administrative rules apply to licensing boards within the department.
The following laws apply to professional licensing boards.
Chapter 17A — Iowa Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 147 — General Provisions, Health-Related Professions
Chapter 272C — Regulation of Licensed Professions and Occupations
The following chapters from Iowa Administrative Code 481 apply to professional licensing boards within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, Inspections, and Licensing.
Ch. 3 — Declaratory Orders
Ch. 4 — Agency Procedures for Rulemaking
Ch. 5 — Public Records and Fair Information Practices
Ch. 6 — Uniform Waiver Rules
Ch. 7 — Military Service, Veteran Reciprocity, and Spouses of Active-Duty Service Members
Ch. 500 — Model Rules for Board Administrative Processes
Ch. 501 — Model Rules for Licensure by Verification or Work Experience
Ch. 502 — Model Rules for Use of Criminal Convictions in Eligibility Determinations and Initial Licensing Decisions
Ch. 503 — Model Rules for Complaints and Investigations
Ch. 506 — Model Rules for Contested Cases Before Licensing Boards and Information Settlements
Ch. 507 — Professional Licensing Division Fees
Administrative Bulletin
Rulemaking notices, along with adopted rule changes, are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
The preamble for each notice includes a summary of the proposed rule changes. The notice includes information about how to submit public comment when applicable. All comments are forwarded to the board for review prior to making a final decision on the outcome of rule change proposals.
Dental Assistant FAQs
List items for Dental Assistant FAQs
I was issued dental assistant trainee status before the new rules go into effect. What does that mean for my dental assistant trainee status?
Your dental assistant trainee status will remain in effect and you may continue to practice until the trainee status expires. The rule change means that you are no longer required by law to be on trainee status for a minimum of six months. Your supervising dentist can now decide when you are ready to apply for registration, as long as it is within 12 months of your date of employment.
Please note
: Iowa law requires individuals who train in or work with dental radiography to be 18 years of age or older. If registered while a minor, a dental assistant may train on-the-job in dental radiography after reaching the age of 18.
I will be starting a job in a dental office as a dental assistant. Do I need to apply for dental assistant trainee status?
Effective Dec. 21, 2022, if you have not yet been issued a registration in Iowa, no, you will not need to apply for trainee status. Based on your first date of employment as a dental assistant trainee with an office, you may train on the job for up to 12 months while you work on meeting the requirements for registration.
If I do not need to apply for dental assistant trainee status, how will I know when I must be issued registration or stop working?
You can train on the job as a dental assistant while meeting the requirements for registration for up to 12 months from your first date of employment with an office as a dental assistant trainee.
How do I determine my first date of employment?
The date of employment should be determined based on the date of hire by your employer as that is the entity responsible for hiring and other employment-related decisions. Working at multiple locations for the same employer does not restart the clock for the purposes of trainee status. If working for multiple employers, the timeline for trainee status may be reset depending upon the most recent date of employment.
What happens if I am not registered before the end of the 12 months?
You must stop practicing as a dental assistant trainee unless you are issued a dental assistant registration, or obtain new employment as a dental assistant trainee.
I worked as a dental assistant trainee at a dental office and quit before I completed the requirements for registration. Can I work as a dental assistant trainee again?
If you gain new employment as a dental assistant, you may work as a dental assistant trainee for up to 12 months while meeting the requirements for registration. Your trainee status would start over based on the date of your new employment as a dental assistant.
Can I get an extension on my dental assistant trainee status?
If you are still employed at the same dental office, you are unable to continue practicing as a dental assistant trainee until registration is issued to you.
If you leave employment at a dental office and are hired again as a dental assistant, you may practice as a dental assistant trainee for 12 months while you meet the requirements for registration.
I am in high school and have worked for several months as a dental assistant trainee. I have completed the examinations for registration and my dentist wants me to become registered. Am I allowed to apply for registration?
Yes. The board eliminated the requirements for minimum age and graduation from high school, or equivalent, to qualify for registration. If you have completed the requirements for registration and your dentist attests to your competency as a dental assistant, you may apply for and be issued a registration as a dental assistant.
I have worked as a dental assistant trainee for three months, and my dentist wants to me to become registered. Am I allowed to do so?
Yes. If your dentist will attest to your training and competency as a dental assistant and you have successfully completed the other requirements, you may apply for registration at your convenience. Dental assistant trainees are no longer required to have a minimum of six months experience prior to becoming registered.
Until recently, I practiced as a dental assistant in another state. Do I qualify for registration as a dental assistant?
Yes. If you have practiced as a dental assistant within the previous five years, your out-of-state experience as a dental assistant will qualify you for registration. You will need your previous dentist to verify your experience. If you have successfully completed the other requirements for registration, you may apply directly for registration.
If you would like to practice as a dental assistant while completing any outstanding requirements for registration, you may practice as a dental assistant trainee for up to 12 months.
I am working in an office with a dental assistant trainee. The dentist has asked me to supervise the dental assistant trainee when she assists with some intraoral functions, such as suctioning and taking x-rays. Am I allowed to do that?
If you are a licensed dental hygienist or registered dental assistant, you may supervise a dental assistant trainee if the dentist directs you to do so. Unlicensed or unregistered individuals may not supervise a dental assistant trainee.
The dentist is going to be out of the office; however, the dentist has instructed me to provide services that must be done under direct supervision. Am I allowed to perform those services?
If a dentist will be able to be available via live video in a time similar to what would occur were the dentist were in the office, you may provide most services that require direct supervision.
Note
: Some services, which require direct supervision, such as expanded functions, obligate the dentist to review the work completed before the patient is dismissed.
If a dentist will not be available via live video, those services that require direct supervision may not be performed. Services would be restricted to those that can be performed under general supervision, or situations wherein a registered dental assistant or dental hygienist is working under a public health supervision agreement.
I was a dental assistant trainee while I was in high school. I was unable to train in dental radiography at that time. I am over 18 years of age, hold a current registration, and my dentist would like me to get a qualification in dental radiography. What do I need to do?
You may train on the job in dental radiography if you hold an active registration or Iowa nursing license. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you successfully complete a board-approved examination, you may apply for a qualification in dental radiography.
I am an Iowa-licensed nurse who practices in a dental office. My dentist has asked me to take x-rays. What do I need to do?
If you have an active nursing license and are employed in a dental office, you may train on the job in dental radiography. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you successfully complete a board-approved examination, you may apply for a qualification in dental radiography.
How long must I train in dental radiography before I can apply for a qualification to take x-rays?
Board rules do not establish a minimum training requirement. After your dentist trains you and attests to your proficiency, and you have successfully completed a board-approved examination in dental radiography, you may apply for a qualification.
May students enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental assistant program take x-rays on patients via teledentistry?
In accordance with
Iowa Administrative Code 481—Chapter 575
, if the dental assisting students are taking x-rays on one another, they may take the x-rays under the direct supervision of a licensed or registered faculty member/instructor, or licensed dentist. If the students are taking x-rays on members of the public, the x-rays must be taken under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
The board has amended the definition of “direct supervision” to permit a
licensed dentist
to provide direct supervision using teledentistry in cases where the dentist is able to appear via live video upon request in a timeframe similar to what would be expected if the dentist were in the treatment facility.
If the supervision is provided by a licensed dental hygienist or registered dental assistant, teledentistry would not be permitted for the direct supervision of the students.
Direct supervision
” means that the dentist is present in the treatment facility, but it is not required that the dentist be physically present in the treatment room, or the dentist is not present in the treatment facility but is able to appear using live video upon request with a response time similar to what would be expected if the dentist were present in the treatment facility.
I recently started work as a dental assistant trainee. When am I allowed to attempt the examinations required for registration?
You may take the examinations at your convenience. You are not required to train on the job for a required amount of time before testing. When you feel prepared to take the exam(s), contact the Board-approved examination provider of your choice to make arrangements. A
list of testing sites is available with the resources for dental professionals
I am a graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. As part of my program, I successfully completed examinations in infection control and dental radiography. Am I required to take the tests approved by the Iowa Dental Board to obtain registration?
If you are able to provide evidence of successful examination in either of the subject areas, administered by a CODA-accredited dental assistant program or the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the Iowa Dental Board will accept the results for the purposes of registration.
If you or your program are unable to provide evidence of successful completion of those examinations, you will be required to successfully complete examinations approved by the board.
ARC 6673C
Rule Changes Effective 12/21/2022
Application & Renewal Fees
List items for Dental Board Application & Renewal Fees
DDS/DMD
: Dental License on the Basis of Exam:
$200
DDS/DMD
: Dental License on the Basis of Credentials or Verification: $550
Fee for Background Check Packet: $46
DDS/DMD
: Faculty Permit: $200
MS
: Moderate Sedation Permit: $500
GA
: General Anesthesia Permit: $500
DDS/DMD
: Resident License: $120
Resident License Extension: $40
Applicants who were issued and held a license in another state for more than 12 months must apply on the basis of credentials or verification.
RDH
: Dental Hygiene License on the Basis of Exam:
$100
RDH
: Dental Hygiene License Application on the Basis of Credentials or Verification: $200
Fee for Background Check Packet: $46
LA
: Local Anesthesia Permit Application: $70
RDH
: Faculty Permit: $200
RDH
: Resident License: $120
Resident License Extension Application: $40
Applicants who were issued and held a license in another state for more than 12 months must apply on the basis of credentials or verification.
RDA
: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $40
QDA
: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $60
QDA or XDA
: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, pursuant to
HF 2627
, individuals whose household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level may request a waiver of application fees related to an initial application for license or registration. Please note: The fee waiver does not extend to applications for renewal, reinstatement or reactivation.
To determine eligibility, you must first identify the number of individuals in your
household.
Once this is determined, reference the
Federal Poverty Level
and identify the income that matches the number of individuals in your household. If your household adjusted gross income, as reported on your most recent federal tax return, is less than the identified value, you are eligible for the one-time fee waiver.
DOCUMENTATION FOR QUALIFICATION OF WAIVER
If you wish to apply for a fee waiver you must attest that your household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% and agree to submit documentation of one of the following to verify your household income:
If you are married and filed separately, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for both your spouse and yourself.
If you were claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for the tax filer who claimed you as a dependent.
Questions can be directed to
IDB@iowa.gov.
DDS/DMD
: Dental License: $315
DDS/DMD
: Faculty Permit: $315
MS
: Moderate Sedation Permit: $125
GA
: General Anesthesia Permit: $125
Late Fee
: September of Renewal Year: $100
Late Fee
: October of Renewal Year: $150
RDH
: Dental Hygiene License: $150
RDH
: Faculty Permit: $315
LA
: Local Anesthesia Permit: $25
Late Fee
: September of Renewal Year: $100
Late Fee
: October of Renewal Year: $150
RDA
: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $75
QDA
: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $115
QDA or XDA
: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40
Late Fee
: September of Renewal Year: $20
Late Fee
: October of Renewal Year: $40
Reinstatement applications require payment of a reinstatement application fee and one past-due renewal fee. Additionally, dentists and dental hygienists must submit a background check packet for which the fee is $46.
DDS/DMD
: Dental License: $150 + $315 + $46 = $511
RDH
: Dental Hygiene License: $100 + $150 + $46 = 316
RDA
: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $50 + $75 = $125
QDA
: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $50 + $115 = $165
XDA
: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40 + $40 = $80
VOLUNTEER
If you will be volunteering dental services at a non-profit and you do not hold an active Iowa dental or dental hygiene license, you may apply for a temporary permit on the basis to volunteer.
There is no fee for this application
; though a completed application must be submitted via
the Iowa Dental Board online services website.
EDUCATIONAL or URGENT NEED
Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need may be issued for up to three months at a predetermined location of practice. Applicants are limited to a maximum of three temporary permits in total. Thereafter, applicants would be required to apply for a permanent dental or dental hygiene license.
Note
: Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need are not intended for individuals who will make application for a permanent dental license.
Fee for Educational Purpose or Urgent Need
: $100
Duplicate Certificate
: Duplicate license, permit or registration certificate: $25
Duplicate Renewal Card
: Electronic copies are provided at no cost.   Hard copy when requested:  $25.
Certification or verification
: The fee for a written certification or written verification issued by board staff of an Iowa license, permit or registration: $25.
Facility Inspection
: Actual cost not to exceed $500 per facility.
Returned Check
: $39
Note
: Electronic copies of renewal cards and other items may be requested via
the Iowa Dental Board online services website.
Iowa Dental Board
The Iowa Dental Board licenses and regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene & dental assisting in Iowa.
More About the Board