If you’re a current or future dental assistant in Florida, there’s a key change you need to know: The Florida Board of Dentistry has updated the application process for the Dental Radiology Certification.
New Requirements Starting July 1, 2025
Beginning July 1, 2025, all applicants must undergo a Level 2 background screening, which now includes electronic fingerprinting before certification can be approved. In addition, individuals in professionally screened occupations must keep their fingerprints on file and updated every five years.
Helpful Links
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See the official adopted rule (64B5-9.011) via the Florida Administrative Code here.
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Review FAQs about the Level 2 Livescan Background Screening: https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/bgs-faqs/
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Download the updated Dental Radiology Certification Application: https://floridasdentistry.gov/Applications/dental-radiographer-app.pdf
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Find a Board-approved Livescan provider: https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/
Why This Change Is Important for Dental Assistants
This new requirement is designed to:
- Improve patient safety by ensuring that dental professionals comply with the highest standards of ethics.
- Streamline the licensing process so applicant eligibility can be more easily confirmed by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
- Protect your career by ensuring your certification remains compliant with state regulations.
For dental assistants, this means you’ll want to plan ahead in order to avoid delays in starting work after your externship or beginning a new job-especially when a Dental Radiology Certification and Certification Number is required.
Step-by-Step Guide for Dental Assistants
Step 1: Complete Your Dental Radiology Certification
Graduate from a Board-approved Dental Assisting Program to receive your certification.
Step 2: Fill Out the Certification Application
Print and complete the Dental Radiology Certification Application.
Be sure your supervising dentist signs and provides their license number in the designated areas.
Step 3: Create Your CHAI Profile
Register with the CHAI System to set up your applicant profile.
Step 4: Schedule Your Fingerprinting Appointment
Choose a Board-approved Livescan provider to complete your electronic fingerprinting.
Bring the Board’s ORI Number: EDOH4560Z — this ensures results go directly to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Double-check that:
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You provide accurate demographic information (including your SSN).
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Your provider offers photo capture, which is now required.
Step 5: Complete Your Level 2 Background Screening
During your appointment:
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Your fingerprints and photo are submitted securely to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
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Results typically reach the Board within 24–72 hours.
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Ask for your Livescan Transaction Control Number (TCN) — you’ll need this for your application.
Step 6: Submit Your Completed Application
Apply online through the Board’s website.
Include your Livescan TCN and pay the required fee to finalize your application.
Important Reminder:
You must complete your Livescan background screening before submitting your application to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
A4DA’s Recommendation for Students
At Academy for Dental Assistants, we strongly recommend the following steps to ensure a smooth application process:
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Schedule your fingerprinting early — aim for 2–3 weeks before completing your externship.
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Save your receipt and TCN number to track your fingerprinting results.
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Choose a Board-approved Livescan provider to avoid application delays. You can find the list here.
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Reach out directly to the Florida Board of Dentistry with any questions about the new application or Livescan process at (850) 245-4474.