Dental Assistant in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$42,270

trending_down -10.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

31,360

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$39

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (e.g., 13 weeks for some programs, 4-8 weeks for online training, plus application processing time of 3-4 weeks)

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Texas

To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in Texas, candidates must register with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). Key steps include having a high school diploma or GED, completing a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course, and holding a current hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification. Applicants must pass a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration exam (covering Jurisprudence, Infection Control, and Radiology) or hold a current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification and pass the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment. Additionally, a criminal background check, completion of a human trafficking prevention course, and a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report are required. Texas does not offer reciprocity for dental assistant licenses from other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,970

25th percentile $35,880

50th (median) $42,270

75th percentile $47,150

90th (experienced) $55,400

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing body	Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or GED, completion of a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course, and a current hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification.
Exam	TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration exam (covering Jurisprudence, Infection Control, and Radiology) OR DANB CDA exam plus TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment.
Application fee	$39
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	All dental assistants must be registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) to perform duties like taking X-rays. Separate certifications are required for specific expanded duties such as coronal polishing, sealant placement, and nitrous oxide monitoring. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, and complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report is also required.

Source: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

workspace_premium Texas license tiers

Texas offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)	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_circleTexas 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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental assistant in Texas? expand_more

To become a dental assistant in Texas, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, completion of a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course, and a current hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification.), pass the TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration exam (covering Jurisprudence, Infection Control, and Radiology) OR DANB CDA exam plus TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment., and submit your application ($39 fee).

Is a dental assistant license required in Texas? expand_more

Yes, Texas requires a state license to practice as a dental assistant. The licensing body is Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. You must pass the TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration exam (covering Jurisprudence, Infection Control, and Radiology) OR DANB CDA exam plus TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment..

What do dental assistants earn in Texas? expand_more

Texas dental assistants bring home a median salary of $42,270. That's 11% below the national median of $47,300. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $29,970, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $55,400.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Texas? expand_more

The typical timeline in Texas is Varies (e.g., 13 weeks for some programs, 4-8 weeks for online training, plus application processing time of 3-4 weeks). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does Texas require continuing education for dental assistants? expand_more

License renewal in Texas requires completing 12.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.