Dental Assistant in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.
Jobs (MA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental assistant in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Dental Assistant in Massachusetts, individuals must register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. The specific requirements vary depending on the license type sought (On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, or Expanded Functions), but generally include completing a Board-approved course on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control, holding current CPR/BLS certification, and passing the Massachusetts Dental Assistant Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. While there is no direct reciprocity, applicants with out-of-state licenses must provide official verification from previous jurisdictions.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Massachusetts. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Massachusetts requirements
| Licensing body | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a Board-approved course on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control and current CPR/BLS certification. Requirements vary based on the specific license type (On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, or Expanded Functions). |
| Exam | Massachusetts Dental Assistant Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | All dental assistants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. There are four types of dental assistant licenses: On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, and Expanded Functions. Each has different requirements and scopes of practice. A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check is conducted. On-the-Job Trained dental assistants may practice for a preliminary, non-licensed period of up to six months while completing requirements. |
workspace_premium Massachusetts license tiers
Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| On-the-Job Trained Dental Assistant (OJT) | N/A |
| Formally Trained Dental Assistant (FTDA) | N/A |
| Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) | N/A |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk