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Dental Assistant Licensing in New Jersey

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in New Jersey, 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 Jersey

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Dentistry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,070 median (2% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #16 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Law and Public Safety~Division of Consumer Affairs~Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Jersey

With a median salary of $48,070, Dental Assistants in New Jersey earn 2% above the national median of $47,300. New Jersey ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,565

Median annual salary

$48,070

Hourly estimate

$23.11
2% above national median

Difference: +$770

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,040
  • P2525th percentile$44,540
  • P50Median$48,070
  • P7575th percentile$59,870
  • P9090th percentile$62,190

State vs National Median

State: $48,070
National: $47,300

Total employment: 10,660 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#16 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 Jersey$48,070Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$47,020Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$48,290Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$46,090Degree 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 Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware50LowState-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

Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Dentistry

PO Box 45005, Newark, NJ, 7101

Phone: 9735046405

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FAQ

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

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 New Jersey?

New Jersey 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 Jersey?

The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in New Jersey.

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in New Jersey is $48,070. Salaries range from $37,040 (10th percentile) to $62,190 (90th percentile).

How does the Dental Assistant salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in New Jersey earn 2% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $48,070.

How many Dental Assistants work in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 10,660 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to New Jersey 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 Jersey?

The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/den/Pages/default.aspx.

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

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