Dental Assistant in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$45,930

trending_down -2.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

5,380

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$295

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in South Carolina

To become a dental assistant in South Carolina, a high school diploma or GED is required. While a state license isn't mandated for general duties, specific certifications are necessary for certain procedures. To perform radiography, dental assistants must complete a South Carolina Board of Dentistry-approved course and pass either the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or a South Carolina state exam. For monitoring nitrous oxide, an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) must complete a Board-approved course, pass a state board examination administered by PSI Testing Service, and hold current CPR certification. The South Carolina Board of Dentistry oversees these certifications.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,920

25th percentile $39,210

50th (median) $45,930

75th percentile $48,900

90th (experienced) $58,570

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Board of Dentistry
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED. For radiography, completion of a Board-approved radiation safety course. For nitrous oxide monitoring, completion of a Board-approved course and current CPR certification.
Exam	DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or SC state exam for radiography; State Board Examination for nitrous oxide monitoring (administered by PSI Testing Service). ($270)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	2.0 hours per cycle
Notes	South Carolina does not license dental assistants for general duties. However, specific certifications are required to perform radiography and monitor nitrous oxide. All dental staff providing direct patient care in settings where sedation is administered must have current CPR certification at the basic life support level, renewed every two years. Two hours of continuing education in sterilization and infection control are required biennially for auxiliary staff who may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids.

Source: South Carolina 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

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

The path to dental assistant licensure in South Carolina: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED. For radiography, completion of a Board-approved radiation safety course. For nitrous oxide monitoring, completion of a Board-approved course and current CPR certification.), pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or SC state exam for radiography; State Board Examination for nitrous oxide monitoring (administered by PSI Testing Service)., and submit your application ($25 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in South Carolina? expand_more

dental assistants in South Carolina are not required to hold a state license. Note: South Carolina does not license dental assistants for general duties. However, specific certifications are required to perform radiography and monitor nitrous oxide. All dental staff providing direct patient care in settings where sedation is administered must have current CPR certification at the basic life support level, renewed every two years. Two hours of continuing education in sterilization and infection control are required biennially for auxiliary staff who may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids.

How much does a dental assistant make in South Carolina? expand_more

In South Carolina, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $45,930/year. That's roughly in line with the $47,300 national median. The range spans from $36,920 at the entry level to $58,570 for top earners.

How expensive is dental assistant licensing in South Carolina? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($270) and application fee ($25) and required training.

How quickly can I become a dental assistant in South Carolina? expand_more

The typical timeline in South Carolina is Varies. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do dental assistants need in South Carolina? expand_more

License renewal in South Carolina requires completing 2.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.