Dental Assistant / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Dental Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Assists dentists during procedures, takes X-rays, and manages patient records.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Dental Assistants

To practice as a dental assistant in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires 1,000 documented education or training hours, a passing score on a state-approved exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. The regulation sits under Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Certificate/Degree".

Budget $100 to get started on a 2-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Rhode Island, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

There's no published reciprocity list here - Rhode Island reviews out-of-state credentials individually.

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Certificate/Degree
1,000 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for Dental Assistant All Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Assistant in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island requires 1000 education/training hours, passing an exam, and an initial fee of $100. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Dental Assistant in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island licenses dental assistants who complete its requirements (1000 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
Rhode Island evaluates out-of-state dental assistant licenses on a case-by-case basis. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Dental Assistant licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for dental assistant licensing in Rhode Island. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.