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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 board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in New Jersey

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See board website
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: 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 board website

  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 (4)

  1. 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Law and Public Safety~Division of Consumer Affairs~Board of Dentistry.

Salary Insights in New Jersey

With a median salary of 48,070, Dental Assistants in New Jersey earn 2% above the national median of 47300. New Jersey ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

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: 10660 | Annual openings: null

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#16 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota64,630
#2Massachusetts57,960
#3Oregon57,720
#4Washington57,040
#5Alaska55,950

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Jersey$48,070Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New York$47,020Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$48,290Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Delaware$46,090Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

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.

Official Licensing Agency

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

PO Box 45005, Newark, NJ, 7101

Phone: 9735046405

Related Careers in New Jersey

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$103,510Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$101,460Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$65,270Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Hygienist$102,600Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 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 37040 (10th percentile) to 62190 (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 47300, with a state median of 48,070.

How many Dental Assistants work in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 10660 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.

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.