Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a graduate of a certified Dental Association accredited school OR must complete on-the-job training through an Arkansas-licensed dentist
- 2
Must have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 4
Registered Dental Assistants aid dentists in diagnostic, operative, surgical, periodontal, preventive, orthodontic and fixed prosthodontia procedures during examination and treatment of patients.
- 5
Must be a graduate of a certified Dental Association accredited school OR must complete on-the-job training through an Arkansas-licensed dentist.
- 6
Successful passage of Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam over Arkansas Dental Laws.
- 7
State and federal criminal background checks required.
- 8
Registration fee: $75.00, Renewal fee: $50.00.
Exam and processing details
- State Board of Dental Examiners if they perform dental radiography, coronal polishing, administration/monitoring of nitrous oxide, and sedation monitoring in the dental office
Continuing education and program notes
- certified Dental Association accredited school OR must complete on-the-job training through an Arkansas-licensed dentist
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- 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 (5)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Must be a graduate of a certified Dental Association accredited school OR must complete on-the-job training through an Arkansas-licensed...).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State Board of Dental Examiners if they perform dental radiography, coronal polishing, administration/monitoring of nitrous oxide, and sedation monitoring in the dental office.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (State and federal criminal background checks required.).
- 5. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $37,680, Dental Assistants in Arkansas earn 20% below the national median of $47,300. Arkansas ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $37,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $38,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $42,270 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
101 East Capitol Ave., Suite 111, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016822085
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 $32,930 (10th percentile) to $47,230 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $37,680.
How many Dental Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 3,020 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.