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Dental Assistant Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Hawaii, including See board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See board website
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Dental Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $44,870 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Dental Examiners.

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of 44,870, Dental Assistants in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of 47300. Hawaii ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$44,870

Hourly estimate

$21.57
5% below national median

Difference: -$2,430

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,990
  • P2525th percentile$36,150
  • P50Median$44,870
  • P7575th percentile$47,990
  • P9090th percentile$50,140

State vs National Median

State: $44,870
National: $47,300

Total employment: 1610 | Annual openings: null

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota64,630
#2Massachusetts57,960
#3Oregon57,720
#4Washington57,040
#5Alaska55,950

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$44,870Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
California$48,910Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$57,720Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Washington$57,040Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Alaska$55,950Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Official Licensing Agency

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Dental Examiners

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$92,120Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$102,260Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$62,180Degree required6-24 months
Dental Hygienist$96,770Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Hawaii?

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 exams are required for Dental Assistants in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Hawaii is 44,870. Salaries range from 31990 (10th percentile) to 50140 (90th percentile).

How does the Dental Assistant salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of 47300, with a state median of 44,870.

How many Dental Assistants work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 1610 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Dental Examiners. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/.