Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by NH Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in New Hampshire, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- Dental Hygienist
- Must at least 18 years of age
- Must be of good professional character
- High school graduate
- Complete an educational dental hygiene program of at least two years that is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist
- Must have education and training of:
- A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, with a minimum of six hours in community health; or
- Have obtained a master's degree in public health; or
- Be a registered Dental Hygienst who has successfully copmleted courses in caries stabilization, evidence-based dentistry, infection control in public health settings, medical management in public health dental settings, and management of medical records. (See Den 302.07 for specific requirements.)
- Must have 3,200 hours in practice as a dental hygienst, 1,600 hours of which shall be within the two years prior to certification
- Must have qualified in dental sealants pursuan to Den 302.05 if similar training was not recieved as part of the dental hygiene school curriculum
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Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$50,260 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (12)
- 1. Dental Hygienist
- 2. Must at least 18 years of age
- 3. Must be of good professional character
- 4. High school graduate
- 5. Complete an educational dental hygiene program of at least two years that is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- 6. Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist
- 7. Must have education and training of:
- 8. A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, with a minimum of six hours in community health; or
- 9. Have obtained a master's degree in public health; or
- 10. Be a registered Dental Hygienst who has successfully copmleted courses in caries stabilization, evidence-based dentistry, infection control in public health settings, medical management in public health dental settings, and management of medical records. (See Den 302.07 for specific requirements.)
- 11. Must have 3,200 hours in practice as a dental hygienst, 1,600 hours of which shall be within the two years prior to certification
- 12. Must have qualified in dental sealants pursuan to Den 302.05 if similar training was not recieved as part of the dental hygiene school curriculum
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of 50,260, Dental Assistants in New Hampshire earn 6% above the national median of 47300. New Hampshire ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$50,260Hourly estimate
$24.166% above national median
Difference: +$2,960
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $50,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maine | $51,340 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $51,020 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 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.
Official Licensing Agency
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032712152
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $88,410 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $65,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $80,220 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,740 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in New Hampshire is 50,260. Salaries range from 45350 (10th percentile) to 61260 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in New Hampshire earn 6% above the national median of 47300, with a state median of 50,260.
How many Dental Assistants work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 1400 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Review agency details at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-dental-examiners.