Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB).
- 2
Central Regional Dental Testing Service Inc (CRDTS).
- 3
Southern Regional Testing Agency Inc (SRTA).
- 4
North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), currently known as the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA).
- 5
Education: Degree required.
- 6
Experience: No experience required.
- 7
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 8
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 9
Education requirements: Graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- 10
*As of January 25, 2021, the Board of Dentistry voted to accept the manikin-based regional dental hygiene exam from the above listed agencies.
- 11
In 2022, pay $246 (application $50, license $64, Compliance resolution fund $100, ½ renewal for 2nd year of 2-year license $32).
- 12
In 2023, pay $164 (application $50, license $64, Compliance resolution fund $50).
Exam and processing details
- Pass one of the following regional exams:
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification in the administration of intra-oral infiltration local anesthesia and block anesthesia
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Dental Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,870 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Pass one of the following regional exams:.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; In 2022, pay $246 (application $50, license $64, Compliance resolution fund $100, ½ renewal for 2nd year of 2-year license $32).).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Dental Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $44,870, Dental Assistants in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of $47,300. Hawaii ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$44,870Hourly estimate
$21.575% below national median
Difference: -$2,430
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $44,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| California | $48,910 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 15 months |
| Oregon | $57,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $57,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $55,950 | Varies by state board | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, 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 $31,990 (10th percentile) to $50,140 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $44,870.
How many Dental Assistants work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 1,610 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.