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Dental Assistant Licensing in Mississippi

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    &#167

    • 73-9-24--ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR QUALIFYING FOR LICENSE BASED ON CREDENTIALS.
  7. 7

    (1) In addition to the method for obtaining a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene by way of examination as provided by Section 73-9-23, the board, in its sole discretion, may grant a license to a candidate who meets the following criteria:.

  8. 8

    (b) Be engaged in the active practice of dentistry or dental hygiene or in full-time dental education or dental hygiene education for the past five (5) years;

  9. 9

    (c) Currently hold a valid, unrestricted and unexpired license in a state whose standards for licensure are determined by the board as equivalent to Mississippi's standards, and which state grants reciprocity or licensure by credentials to licensees of the State of Mississippi;

  10. 10

    (d) Provides an endorsement from all states in which he or she is currently licensed or has ever been licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene;

  11. 11

    (g) Has passed a state or regional clinical licensure examination and, within the past five (5) years, has not failed a clinical licensure examination administered by another state, jurisdiction, or regional licensing board;

Exam and processing details

  • state or regional clinical licensure examination and, within the past five (5) years, has not failed a clinical licensure examination administered by another state, jurisdiction, or regional licensing board;

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    MS State Board of Dental Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $37,130 median (22% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  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 state or regional clinical licensure examination and, within the past five (5) years, has not failed a clinical licensure examination administered by another state, jurisdictio....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to MS State Board of Dental Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Mississippi

With a median salary of $37,130, Dental Assistants in Mississippi earn 22% below the national median of $47,300. Mississippi ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.5%

Average Weekly Wage

$999

Median annual salary

$37,130

Hourly estimate

$17.85
22% below national median

Difference: -$10,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,170
  • P2525th percentile$35,000
  • P50Median$37,130
  • P7575th percentile$46,160
  • P9090th percentile$55,480

State vs National Median

State: $37,130
National: $47,300

Total employment: 2,690 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#50 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
Mississippi$37,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$46,090Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$37,280Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years
Louisiana$38,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$37,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas78HighBoard-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

MS State Board of Dental Examiners

600 East Amite Street, Suite 100, Jackson, MS, 39201-2801

Phone: 6019449622

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FAQ

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

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 Mississippi?

Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

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

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Mississippi?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Mississippi is $37,130. Salaries range from $28,170 (10th percentile) to $55,480 (90th percentile).

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

Dental Assistants in Mississippi earn 22% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $37,130.

How many Dental Assistants work in Mississippi?

Mississippi employs approximately 2,690 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

The licensing agency is MS State Board of Dental Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/.

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

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