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Dental Assistant Licensing in Louisiana

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Must have graduated from a training school of dental hygienists approved by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $38,150 median (19% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must have graduated from a training school of dental hygienists approved by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and be a citizen or l...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $38,150, Dental Assistants in Louisiana earn 19% below the national median of $47,300. Louisiana ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$38,150

Hourly estimate

$18.34
19% below national median

Difference: -$9,150

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,580
  • P2525th percentile$34,200
  • P50Median$38,150
  • P7575th percentile$46,330
  • P9090th percentile$55,800

State vs National Median

State: $38,150
National: $47,300

Total employment: 4,420 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$64,630
#2Massachusetts$57,960
#3Oregon$57,720
#4Washington$57,040
#5Alaska$55,950

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$38,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$37,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Mississippi$37,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$42,270Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas78HighBoard-specific review required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-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

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

1201 North Third Street, Suite G-136, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802

Phone: 5045688574

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FAQ

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

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 Louisiana?

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

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

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Louisiana is $38,150. Salaries range from $28,580 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).

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

Dental Assistants in Louisiana earn 19% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $38,150.

How many Dental Assistants work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 4,420 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at https://www.lsbd.org/.

How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Louisiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.