Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must have at least two (2) years technician education, or two (2) years experience in a registered dental laboratory
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must have at least two (2) years technician education, or two (2) years experience in a registered dental laboratory.
- 7
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS There is no written or practical examination.
- 8
Applicant may secure application for certification as a dental laboratory technician from the regulatory agency.
Exam and processing details
- written or practical examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified dental technician
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certification | $10.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Dentistry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,520 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky 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 written or practical examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; Applicant may secure application for certification as a dental laboratory technician from the regulatory agency.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Certification: $10.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $46,520, Dental Assistants in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $47,300. Kentucky ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$46,520Hourly estimate
$22.372% below national median
Difference: -$780
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $47,980 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $47,330 | Specific course required | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $46,910 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $47,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
- 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
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Dentistry
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5024297280
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Kentucky is $46,520. Salaries range from $29,500 (10th percentile) to $59,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Kentucky earn 2% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $46,520.
How many Dental Assistants work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 4,250 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at http://dentistry.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.