Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by NM Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in New Mexico, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and NM Dental Hygienist Committee
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$38,840 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and NM Dental Hygienist Committee.
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of 38,840, Dental Assistants in New Mexico earn 18% below the national median of 47300. New Mexico ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median annual salary
$38,840Hourly estimate
$18.6718% below national median
Difference: -$8,460
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#44 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 Mexico | $38,840 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Colorado | $47,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $42,270 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $49,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $37,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 Mexico | 50 | Low | 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. |
| Oklahoma | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and NM Dental Hygienist Committee
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 5054764622
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $77,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $46,530 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,410 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in New Mexico?
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 Mexico?
New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Assistant licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in New Mexico is 38,840. Salaries range from 34620 (10th percentile) to 54290 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in New Mexico earn 18% below the national median of 47300, with a state median of 38,840.
How many Dental Assistants work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 2010 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to New Mexico 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 Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and NM Dental Hygienist Committee. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/dental-health-care-overview/.