Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NE Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Nebraska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Nebraska
Estimated timeline: 1-9 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 2
Dental assistants working in a dental office may either continue working in an unlicensed status orpursue a license as a dental assistant professional.Unlicensed Dental Assistant-An unlicensed Dental Assistant, when employed by a licensed dentist, is authorized to assist the dentistin the performance of his/her clinical-related duties.
- 3
Perform dental x-rays or coronal polishing, uponmeeting certain education or experience requirements(see Dental Assistant licensure page for details).Licensed Dental Assistant-A Licensed Dental Assistant is allowed to perform all clinical duties as listed for an unlicensed DentalAssistant, and, upon completion of education and testing, may apply for additional permits.Licensed Dental Assistants can apply for the following expanded scope functions to be added totheir Dental Assistant license after completing an educational course for each expanded scopefunction:.
- 4
Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide Additional informaiton: Licensed Dental Assistants are eligible to apply for expanded scope functions with additional education.
- 5
Licensed Dental Assistants are also eligible for Expanded Function Permits after 1500 hours of practice as a LDA, completion of training program, and successful passage of a clinical exam.
- 6
Have passed the Certification Exam for Dental Assistants (CDA) offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB);2.
- 7
Have earned 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past five years.All applicants are also required to successfully complete the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%.Training, education, or service gained while a member of the armed forces of the United States may be accepted toward the minimum standards of a credential upon submission of satisfactory evidence of substantial similarity to the education required for the credential (See Nebr.
Exam and processing details
- jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%
Continuing education and program notes
- certain limited duties or functions
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Licensure Unit
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,660 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide Additional informaiton: Licensed Dental Assistants are eligible to apply for expanded scop...; Licensed Dental Assistants are also eligible for Expanded Function Permits after 1500 hours of practice as a LDA, completion of training...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Perform dental x-rays or coronal polishing, uponmeeting certain education or experience requirements(see Dental Assistant licensure page...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Dental assistants working in a dental office may either continue working in an unlicensed status orpursue a license as a dental assistant...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%.
- 5. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services~Public Health Licensure Unit and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Nebraska
With a median salary of $46,660, Dental Assistants in Nebraska earn 1% below the national median of $47,300. Nebraska ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-9 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,157Median annual salary
$46,660Hourly estimate
$22.431% below national median
Difference: -$640
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-9 months |
| South Dakota | $47,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $47,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $39,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $47,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $42,770 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Licensure Unit
301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE, 68508
Phone: 4022244915
Related Careers in Nebraska
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | 1-19 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $389,480 | Varies by state board | 1-10 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,430 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Audiologist | $85,820 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Nebraska?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-9 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Nebraska?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Nebraska is $46,660. Salaries range from $38,430 (10th percentile) to $57,820 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Nebraska earn 1% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $46,660.
How many Dental Assistants work in Nebraska?
Nebraska employs approximately 2,360 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Nebraska from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Nebraska?
The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services / Public Health Licensure Unit. Review agency details at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/acupuncture.aspx.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Nebraska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.