Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration in Dentistry • Division of Health Professions Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,960 median (23% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts 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: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration in Dentistry~Division of Health Professions Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $57,960, Dental Assistants in Massachusetts earn 23% above the national median of $47,300. Massachusetts ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$57,960Hourly estimate
$27.8723% above national median
Difference: +$10,660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $50,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Vermont | $51,020 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $47,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $50,820 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $48,060 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration in Dentistry • Division of Health Professions Licensure
239 Causeway Street 5th Floor, Suite 500, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177279928
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Massachusetts is $57,960. Salaries range from $47,870 (10th percentile) to $71,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Massachusetts earn 23% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $57,960.
How many Dental Assistants work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 9,250 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration in Dentistry / Division of Health Professions Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/dentist/about/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.