Dental Assistant in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.
Jobs (SD)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental assistant in South Dakota
To become a Registered Dental Assistant in South Dakota, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be registered with the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Candidates must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, hold current DANB CDA certification, or complete a South Dakota Board of Dentistry approved program. Additionally, applicants must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams, the South Dakota Jurisprudence exam, and maintain a current, board-approved CPR certification. Registration must be renewed annually, requiring 60 hours of continuing education every five years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | South Dakota State Board of Dentistry |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program OR current DANB CDA certification OR completion of a South Dakota Board of Dentistry approved program resulting in a registered dental assistant certificate of competency. |
| Exam | DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams, and the South Dakota Jurisprudence exam. A certificate of competency may also be issued based on examination by the South Dakota Board. ($350) |
| Application fee | $45 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | All dental assistants must be registered with the board and be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. Must maintain a current, board-approved CPR card (American Heart Association for the Healthcare Provider, American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer, or equivalent). If applying after five years of program completion or DANB certification, applicants must have legally provided expanded functions within the preceding five years, and the board may require written documentation verifying current clinical proficiency from a supervising dentist. Dental radiographers must complete at least 5 hours of continuing education in dental radiography every five years. |
workspace_premium South Dakota license tiers
South Dakota offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | 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_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk