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Dental Assistant Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See board website
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: 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 board website

  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 (4)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing.

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of 48,000, Dental Assistants in Wisconsin earn 1% above the national median of 47300. Wisconsin ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

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: 6720 | Annual openings: null

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota64,630
#2Massachusetts57,960
#3Oregon57,720
#4Washington57,040
#5Alaska55,950

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Wisconsin$48,000Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$64,630Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$47,820Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Illinois$47,430Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Michigan$47,030Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

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.

Official Licensing Agency

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

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$90,380Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$78,890Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$63,340Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Hygienist$83,850Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 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 39930 (10th percentile) to 58910 (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 47300, with a state median of 48,000.

How many Dental Assistants work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 6720 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.

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.