Application Fee
See board websiteVerified 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 board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party 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
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,090 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of 46,090, Dental Assistants in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of 47300. Tennessee ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
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 | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $46,910 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $48,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $45,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $37,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $37,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $37,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $45,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155325073
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,760 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,810 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Tennessee?
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 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 36780 (10th percentile) to 59210 (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 47300, with a state median of 46,090.
How many Dental Assistants work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 6370 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.
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.