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Dental Assistant Licensing in Ohio

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Ohio, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Choice of state or third-party exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Ohio

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • Choice of state or third-party exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Ohio State Dental Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,330 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Ohio eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Choice of state or third-party exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Ohio State Dental Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Ohio

With a median salary of $47,330, Dental Assistants in Ohio earn 0% above the national median of $47,300. Ohio ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,256

Median annual salary

$47,330

Hourly estimate

$22.75
0% above national median

Difference: +$30

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,420
  • P2525th percentile$38,650
  • P50Median$47,330
  • P7575th percentile$58,700
  • P9090th percentile$74,880

State vs National Median

State: $47,330
National: $47,300

Total employment: 11,130 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#24 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
Ohio$47,330Specific course requiredChoice of state or third-party examVaries by board
Michigan$47,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$48,290Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$37,330No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$46,520Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$47,980Degree requiredState 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
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-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

Ohio State Dental Board

77 S. High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, OH, 43215-6135

Phone: 6144662580

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FAQ

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

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 Ohio?

Ohio lists Choice of state or third-party exam as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Ohio?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Assistant licensure in Ohio.

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Ohio?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Ohio is $47,330. Salaries range from $36,420 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).

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

Dental Assistants in Ohio earn 0% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $47,330.

How many Dental Assistants work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 11,130 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Ohio 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 Ohio?

The licensing agency is Ohio State Dental Board. Review agency details at https://www.dental.ohio.gov/.

How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Ohio?

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