Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Missouri, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Missouri
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Dental Board
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,220 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Both state and third-party exams required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Dental Board.
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of 45,220, Dental Assistants in Missouri earn 4% below the national median of 47300. Missouri ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$45,220Hourly estimate
$21.744% below national median
Difference: -$2,080
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $47,820 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $47,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $37,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $39,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | 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. |
| Arkansas | 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.
Official Licensing Agency
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Dental Board
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1367, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1367
Phone: 5737510040ext8007352966
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,840 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $61,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,270 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Missouri?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dental Assistants in Missouri?
Missouri lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Missouri is 45,220. Salaries range from 35210 (10th percentile) to 57770 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Missouri earn 4% below the national median of 47300, with a state median of 45,220.
How many Dental Assistants work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 7380 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Missouri 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Dental Board. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/dental.asp.