Dental Assistant in Georgia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$45,600
trending_down -3.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering
9,730

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies depending on chosen pathway and expanded duties courses.

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Georgia

To become a dental assistant in Georgia, individuals do not need a state license. However, to perform expanded duties, a dental assistant must possess a high school diploma or GED, maintain current CPR certification, and complete a board-approved course for each specific expanded duty. Eligibility for these expanded duties courses can be met through current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, graduation from a one-year accredited dental assisting program, or six months of continuous chairside assisting experience within the last three years. While there is no state license, the Georgia Board of Dentistry oversees the requirements for performing expanded functions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,270
25th percentile $38,520
50th (median) $45,600
75th percentile $47,570
90th (experienced) $58,750

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Georgia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing bodyGeorgia Board of Dentistry
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; Board-approved course for expanded duties (if performing expanded duties); Current CPR certification.
ExamCompetency examination administered by a licensed dentist for expanded duties (if applicable); DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam (optional, but can be an eligibility pathway for expanded duties courses).
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesGeorgia does not license dental assistants. To perform expanded duties, dental assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, current CPR certification, and a certificate from a board-approved course for each specific expanded duty. Eligibility for expanded duties courses includes: current CDA certification, graduation from a one-year accredited/board-approved dental assisting program, or continuous employment as a chairside assistant for six months within the previous three years. CPR certification must be at the Healthcare Provider level with a practical skills component and renewed every two years. There are no continuing education requirements for dental assistants in Georgia, except for maintaining CPR certification.

Source: Georgia Board of Dentistry

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
52,900
Nationwide per year
Total employment
381,900
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.53/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a dental assistant in Georgia? expand_more
The path to dental assistant licensure in Georgia: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; Board-approved course for expanded duties (if performing expanded duties); Current CPR certification.), and pass the Competency examination administered by a licensed dentist for expanded duties (if applicable); DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam (optional, but can be an eligibility pathway for expanded duties courses)..
Is a state license required for dental assistants in Georgia? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a dental assistant in Georgia. Note: Georgia does not license dental assistants. To perform expanded duties, dental assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, current CPR certification, and a certificate from a board-approved course for each specific expanded duty. Eligibility for expanded duties courses includes: current CDA certification, graduation from a one-year accredited/board-approved dental assisting program, or continuous employment as a chairside assistant for six months within the previous three years. CPR certification must be at the Healthcare Provider level with a practical skills component and renewed every two years. There are no continuing education requirements for dental assistants in Georgia, except for maintaining CPR certification.
What do dental assistants earn in Georgia? expand_more
dental assistants in Georgia earn a median of $45,600 annually. This is close to the national median of $47,300. The range spans from $36,270 at the entry level to $58,750 for top earners.
How many months or years does dental assistant certification take in Georgia? expand_more
The typical timeline in Georgia is Varies depending on chosen pathway and expanded duties courses.. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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