Dental Assistant in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary
$64,630
trending_up +36.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering
5,590

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$124

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Minnesota

To become a Licensed Dental Assistant in Minnesota, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program and pass three exams: the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam, the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and the Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure Examination. The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and undergo a criminal background check. Continuous CPR certification and specific continuing education courses, including infection control, are required for biennial license renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,450
25th percentile $60,320
50th (median) $64,630
75th percentile $68,410
90th (experienced) $74,930

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing bodyMinnesota Board of Dentistry
State license Required
EducationGraduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
ExamMinnesota Jurisprudence Exam; DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam; Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure Examination
Application fee$124
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education25.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED. A criminal background check is required. Continuous CPR certification is mandatory. An infection control course is mandatory for each renewal cycle. At least two courses must be completed in different core subject areas (e.g., record keeping, ethics, management of medical emergencies, patient communications, diagnosis and treatment planning, HIPAA).

Source: Minnesota Board of Dentistry

workspace_premium Minnesota license tiers

Minnesota offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:

Tier Hours required
Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) N/A

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?

  • check_circleMinnesota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a dental assistant in Minnesota? expand_more
Minnesota requires dental assistants to complete the required education (Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.), pass the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam; DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam; Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure Examination, and submit your application ($124 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Minnesota? expand_more
You cannot practice as a dental assistant in Minnesota without a state license from Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The required exam is the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam; DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam; Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure Examination.
How much does a dental assistant make in Minnesota? expand_more
In Minnesota, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $64,630/year. — 37% higher than the $47,300 national figure. Wages range from $48,450 (10th percentile) up to $74,930 (90th percentile).
What's the timeline to become a dental assistant in Minnesota? expand_more
Most candidates in Minnesota complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
Does Minnesota require continuing education for dental assistants? expand_more
To keep your license active, Minnesota mandates 25.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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