If you’re a current or future dental assistant in Florida, there’s an important change you need to know! The Florida Board of Dentistry has updated the application process for the Dental Radiology Certification.
Starting July 1, 2025, all applicants will be required to complete the process of a Level 2 background screening, which now includes electronic fingerprinting, before receiving approval for certification. All occupations that are professionally screened are required to retain their fingerprints on file every 5 years.
Useful Links
To review the official adopted rule (64B5-9.011), visit the Florida Administrative Code here.
To review FAQs regarding the Level 2 Livescan Background Screening, visit https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/bgs-faqs/
To review the Florida Board of Dentistry’s new Dental Radiology Certification Application, visit https://floridasdentistry.gov/Applications/dental-radiographer-app.pdf
To review the list of Board-approved Livescan providers, visit https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/
Why This Change Is Important for Dental Assistants
This new requirement is designed to:
- Increase patient safety by ensuring dental professionals meet high ethical standards.
- Streamline the licensing process so the Florida Board of Dentistry can easily confirm applicant eligibility.
- Protect your career by making sure your certification stays compliant with state regulations.
For dental assistants, this means you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid delays in starting work upon completion of your externship or beginning a new job where providing your Dental Radiology Certification and Certification Number is required.
Step-by-Step Guide for Dental Assistants
Step 1: Receive your Dental Radiology Certification from a Board-Approved Dental Assisting Program
Step 2: Print and complete the Dental Radiology Certification Application along with the dentist’s signature and license number in the required areas.
Step 3: Register with the CHAI System to create your profile
Step 4: Schedule Your Fingerprinting Appointment
- Use a Florida Board of Dentistry-approved Livescan provider to complete your electronic fingerprinting.
- Bring the Board of Dentistry’s ORI Number: EDOH4560Z — this ensures your results are sent directly to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
- Provide accurate demographic information, including your Social Security Number (SSN), to avoid delays in processing.
- Select a provider that offers photo capture, as this is now a required part of the screening process.
Step 5: Complete Your Level 2 Background Screening
- At your appointment, your fingerprints and photo are captured and securely sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
- Results are usually sent to the Florida Board of Dentistry within 24–72 hours.
- Your application cannot be approved until this step is completed.
- Request your Livescan Transaction Control Number (TCN)
Step 6: Submit Your Application
- When applying for your Dental Radiology Certification, be sure to complete the online application and pay the required fee.
- Include your Livescan Transaction Control Number (TCN) on the Radiology Application— this is how the Board tracks your fingerprinting results.
Reminder: The Livescan Background Screening must be completed BEFORE you submit your application to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
A4DA’s Recommendation for Students
At Academy for Dental Assistants, we recommend:
- Scheduling your fingerprinting early — ideally 2–3 weeks before completion of your Externship.
- Keeping your receipt and TCN number safe for tracking purposes.
- Using a Livescan provider provided by the Florida Board of Dentistry to avoid delays in your application.
- Contacting the Florida Board of Dentistry directly with any questions regarding the new application or the Livescan Background Screening at (850)245-4474