CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified 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 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 New Hampshire

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Dental Hygienist

  2. 2

    Must at least 18 years of age

  3. 3

    Must be of good professional character

  4. 4

    High school graduate

  5. 5

    Complete an educational dental hygiene program of at least two years that is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

  6. 6

    Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist

  7. 7

    Must have education and training of:

  8. 8

    A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, with a minimum of six hours in community health

    • or
  9. 9

    Have obtained a master's degree in public health

    • or
  10. 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. 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. 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

  13. 13

    Education: Degree required.

  14. 14

    Experience: Current employment in field required.

  15. 15

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  16. 16

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  17. 17

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  18. 18

    - Must have education and training of:.

  19. 19

    - A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, with a minimum of six hours in community health

    • or.
  20. 20

    - Have obtained a master's degree in public health

    • or.

Exam and processing details

  • &nbs

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,260 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must at least 18 years of age; Must be of good professional character).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Current employment in field required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required &nbs.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of $50,260, Dental Assistants in New Hampshire earn 6% above the national median of $47,300. New Hampshire ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,490

Median annual salary

$50,260

Hourly estimate

$24.16
6% above national median

Difference: +$2,960

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,350
  • P2525th percentile$46,740
  • P50Median$50,260
  • P7575th percentile$59,090
  • P9090th percentile$61,260

State vs National Median

State: $50,260
National: $47,300

Total employment: 1,400 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#10 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
New Hampshire$50,260Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Maine$51,340Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Vermont$51,020No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$57,960Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maine72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-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. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301

Phone: 6032712152

Related Careers in New Hampshire

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$83,110Degree required21 years
Anesthesiologist$402,950Degree required1-21 years
Athletic Trainer$55,180Degree required1 month
Audiologist$88,410Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, 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 $45,350 (10th percentile) to $61,260 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $50,260.

How many Dental Assistants work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire employs approximately 1,400 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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.

How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in New Hampshire?

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