Dental Assistant in Hawaii

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

Median annual salary
$44,870
trending_down -5.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.

engineering
1,610

Jobs (HI)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

schedule
On-the-job training or completion of a dental assisting program (e.g., 9-12 months for CODA-accredited programs).

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Hawaii

To become a dental assistant in Hawaii, there is no mandatory state license or certification required. The Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners oversees dentists and dental hygienists, but for basic dental assistants, the supervising dentist is responsible for ensuring competency. While formal education is not mandated, a high school diploma or GED, CPR certification, and TB clearance are generally expected. Optional national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can enhance career prospects.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,990
25th percentile $36,150
50th (median) $44,870
75th percentile $47,990
90th (experienced) $50,140

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

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing bodyHawaii Board of Dental Examiners
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; CPR certification; TB clearance required.
ExamNo mandatory state exam for basic dental assistants. National certification (DANB) is optional but can enhance career opportunities.
NotesHawaii does not have specific licensing or education requirements for basic dental assistants. The supervising dentist is responsible for ensuring competency and providing training in sterilization, disinfection, ethics, record keeping, patient confidentiality, and CPR. Minimum age of 18 years is required. Expanded Function Dental Assistants and Certified Dental Assistants (DANB) have additional training and can perform a broader scope of duties.

Source: Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners

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
Wondering if a dental assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a dental assistant in Hawaii? expand_more
To become a dental assistant in Hawaii, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; CPR certification; TB clearance required.), and pass the No mandatory state exam for basic dental assistants. National certification (DANB) is optional but can enhance career opportunities..
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Hawaii? expand_more
dental assistants in Hawaii are not required to hold a state license. Note: Hawaii does not have specific licensing or education requirements for basic dental assistants. The supervising dentist is responsible for ensuring competency and providing training in sterilization, disinfection, ethics, record keeping, patient confidentiality, and CPR. Minimum age of 18 years is required. Expanded Function Dental Assistants and Certified Dental Assistants (DANB) have additional training and can perform a broader scope of duties.
What is the average dental assistant salary in Hawaii? expand_more
In Hawaii, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $44,870/year. That's 5% below the national median of $47,300. New dental assistants start around $31,990; seasoned professionals can reach $50,140.
How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Hawaii? expand_more
Most candidates in Hawaii complete the process in On-the-job training or completion of a dental assisting program (e.g., 9-12 months for CODA-accredited programs)., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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