Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- 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 agency
- 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 (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and NM Dental Hygienist Committee and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $38,840, Dental Assistants in New Mexico earn 18% below the national median of $47,300. New Mexico ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $47,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Texas | $42,270 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $49,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $37,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| 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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $83,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $318,450 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $77,440 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in New Mexico?
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 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 $34,620 (10th percentile) to $54,290 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $38,840.
How many Dental Assistants work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 2,010 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.