Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must have graduated high school or have gotten a GED
- 2
Education: Specific course required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
CONTINUING EDUCATION:.
- 9
Must maintain current training in C.P.R.
- 10
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
License expires in birth month according to even or odd birth year.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Must maintain current training in C.P.R.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years
- Salary Position
$46,090 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee 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: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $46,090, Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $47,300. Tennessee ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$46,090Hourly estimate
$22.163% below national median
Difference: -$1,210
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $46,910 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $48,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $45,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $37,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $37,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $37,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 29 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155325073
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Assistant licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Tennessee is $46,090. Salaries range from $36,780 (10th percentile) to $59,210 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $46,090.
How many Dental Assistants work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 6,370 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years.