Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Public Health • Iowa Board of Dental Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,820 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Public Health~Iowa Board of Dental Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $47,820, Dental Assistants in Iowa earn 1% above the national median of $47,300. Iowa ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$47,820Hourly estimate
$22.991% above national median
Difference: +$520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $47,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $48,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $47,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-9 months |
| South Dakota | $47,680 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 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
Iowa Department of Public Health • Iowa Board of Dental Examiners
400 SW 8th St, Suite D, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Phone: 5152426369
Related Careers in Iowa
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Iowa?
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 exams are required for Dental Assistants in Iowa?
Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Iowa is $47,820. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $59,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Iowa earn 1% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $47,820.
How many Dental Assistants work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 3,540 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Public Health / Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. Review agency details at https://dentalboard.iowa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.