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Verified by WI Board of Healthcare

Dental Assistant Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,000 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $48,000, Dental Assistants in Wisconsin earn 1% above the national median of $47,300. Wisconsin ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$48,000

Hourly estimate

$23.08
1% above national median

Difference: +$700

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,930
  • P2525th percentile$45,490
  • P50Median$48,000
  • P7575th percentile$54,880
  • P9090th percentile$58,910

State vs National Median

State: $48,000
National: $47,300

Total employment: 6,720 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#18 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
Wisconsin$48,000Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$64,630Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$47,820Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$47,430Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$47,030Degree requiredThird-party 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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-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

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

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FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Wisconsin is $48,000. Salaries range from $39,930 (10th percentile) to $58,910 (90th percentile).

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

Dental Assistants in Wisconsin earn 1% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $48,000.

How many Dental Assistants work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 6,720 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.

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

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