Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Arkansas, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See board website
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,680 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit your application to the Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of 37,680, Dental Assistants in Arkansas earn 20% below the national median of 47300. Arkansas ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$37,680Hourly estimate
$18.1220% below national median
Difference: -$9,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | 64,630 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 57,960 |
| #3 | Oregon | 57,720 |
| #4 | Washington | 57,040 |
| #5 | Alaska | 55,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $37,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $37,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $38,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $42,270 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
101 East Capitol Ave., Suite 111, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016822085
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $77,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $50,480 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,760 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Arkansas is 37,680. Salaries range from 32930 (10th percentile) to 47230 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Arkansas earn 20% below the national median of 47300, with a state median of 37,680.
How many Dental Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 3020 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. Review agency details at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/.