CertOutlook

Dental Assistant in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary
$46,520
trending_down -1.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering
4,250

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$270

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (e.g., 6-month programs are available for expanded duties)

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Kentucky

To become a dental assistant in Kentucky, individuals are not required to be licensed by the state. However, dental assistants must be registered with the Kentucky Board of Dentistry by their employer, and maintain current CPR certification. To perform expanded duties like coronal polishing or taking radiographs, specific educational requirements must be met, such as completing board-approved courses in these areas. The employer dentist is responsible for verifying and documenting the dental assistant's training and CPR certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,500
25th percentile $37,640
50th (median) $46,520
75th percentile $54,970
90th (experienced) $59,300

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing bodyKentucky Board of Dentistry
State license Not required
EducationFor coronal polishing: 8-hour course from a CODA-accredited institution. For radiography: 6-hour course in dental radiography safety and 4 hours of instruction in dental radiographic technique (can be in-office training). Must maintain CPR certification.
ExamNo state exam for basic duties. DANB RHS exam is an option to fulfill didactic requirements for radiography, but not explicitly required by the state. ($270)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesKentucky does not license dental assistants for basic duties; however, they must be registered with the Kentucky Board of Dentistry by their employer. The employer is responsible for maintaining documentation of CPR certification and any expanded duty training. There are no age requirements specified by the board for dental assistants. Expanded duties include coronal polishing, radiography, and intravenous access lines.

Source: Kentucky 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 Kentucky? expand_more
In Kentucky, becoming a dental assistant requires you to complete the required education (For coronal polishing: 8-hour course from a CODA-accredited institution. For radiography: 6-hour course in dental radiography safety and 4 hours of instruction in dental radiographic technique (can be in-office training). Must maintain CPR certification.), and pass the No state exam for basic duties. DANB RHS exam is an option to fulfill didactic requirements for radiography, but not explicitly required by the state..
Is a state license required for dental assistants in Kentucky? expand_more
dental assistants in Kentucky are not required to hold a state license. Note: Kentucky does not license dental assistants for basic duties; however, they must be registered with the Kentucky Board of Dentistry by their employer. The employer is responsible for maintaining documentation of CPR certification and any expanded duty training. There are no age requirements specified by the board for dental assistants. Expanded duties include coronal polishing, radiography, and intravenous access lines.
How much do dental assistants make in Kentucky? expand_more
In Kentucky, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $46,520/year. That's roughly in line with the $47,300 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $29,500, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $59,300.
How expensive is dental assistant licensing in Kentucky? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($270). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a dental assistant in Kentucky? expand_more
The typical timeline in Kentucky is Varies (e.g., 6-month programs are available for expanded duties). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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