Dental Assistant in Nebraska

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

Median annual salary

$46,660

trending_down -1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering

2,360

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$345

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Nebraska

To become a Licensed Dental Assistant in Nebraska, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This includes graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or having 1,500 hours of experience, passing the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, and successfully completing the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination. Additionally, there are specific education or experience requirements for performing coronal polishing and radiography. Licensed Dental Assistants must be at least 19 years old and renew their license biennially with 30 hours of continuing education. Reciprocity is available for those licensed and actively practicing in other states for a specified period.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,430

25th percentile $39,710

50th (median) $46,660

75th percentile $48,730

90th (experienced) $57,820

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

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing body	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State license	Required
Education	Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program OR 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past five years. Additionally, specific education/courses are required for coronal polishing and radiography. All applicants must pass the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%.
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination ($250)
Application fee	$95
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 19 years old. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Background checks may be required. Unlicensed dental assistants can perform basic duties under supervision. Specific credentials are required for coronal polishing and radiography. Expanded function permits are available after licensure and additional education/experience.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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_circleNebraska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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

What's required to work as a dental assistant in Nebraska? expand_more

Nebraska requires dental assistants to complete the required education (Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program OR 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past five years. Additionally, specific education/courses are required for coronal polishing and radiography. All applicants must pass the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%.), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination, and submit your application ($95 fee).

Is a dental assistant license required in Nebraska? expand_more

Yes, Nebraska requires a state license to practice as a dental assistant. The licensing body is Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. You must pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination.

What do dental assistants earn in Nebraska? expand_more

The median dental assistant salary in Nebraska is $46,660 per year. That's roughly in line with the $47,300 national median. Wages range from $38,430 (10th percentile) up to $57,820 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a dental assistant in Nebraska? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($250) and application fee ($95) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a dental assistant in Nebraska? expand_more

In Nebraska, becoming a dental assistant generally takes Varies, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do dental assistants need in Nebraska? expand_more

To keep your license active, Nebraska mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.