Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Missouri
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.
- 5
An applicant shall have satisfactorily completed a course in dental hygiene in an accredited dental hygene school, has passed the National Board Examination, passed a state or regional entry - level competency exam, and passed a written examination on Mi.
Exam and processing details
- National Board Examination, passed a state or regional entry - level competency exam, and passed a written examination on Mi
Continuing education and program notes
- 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 agency
- 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 (7)
- 1. Meet Missouri 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: Both state and third-party exams required National Board Examination, passed a state or regional entry - level competency exam, and passed a written examination on Mi.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Dental Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $45,220, Dental Assistants in Missouri earn 4% below the national median of $47,300. Missouri ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $47,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $47,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $37,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $39,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-9 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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $80,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Missouri?
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 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 $35,210 (10th percentile) to $57,770 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $45,220.
How many Dental Assistants work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 7,380 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.