Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification to perform reversible intraoral procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Dentistry Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,290 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Dentistry Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $48,290, Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $47,300. Pennsylvania ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$48,290Hourly estimate
$23.222% above national median
Difference: +$990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $48,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $47,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $48,070 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $46,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $48,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $47,330 | Specific course required | Choice of state or third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-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 State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Dentistry Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837162
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania is $48,290. Salaries range from $36,670 (10th percentile) to $61,580 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $48,290.
How many Dental Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 12,410 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Dentistry Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Dentistry/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.