Dental Assistant in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Dental Assistant in Massachusetts, individuals must register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. The specific requirements vary depending on the license type sought (On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, or Expanded Functions), but generally include completing a Board-approved course on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control, holding current CPR/BLS certification, and passing the Massachusetts Dental Assistant Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. While there is no direct reciprocity, applicants with out-of-state licenses must provide official verification from previous jurisdictions.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a Board-approved course on CDC Guidelines for Infection Control and current CPR/BLS certification. Requirements vary based on the specific license type (On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, or Expanded Functions). |
| Exam | Massachusetts Dental Assistant Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | All dental assistants must be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character. There are four types of dental assistant licenses: On-the-Job Trained, Formally-Trained, Certified, and Expanded Functions. Each has different requirements and scopes of practice. A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check is conducted. On-the-Job Trained dental assistants may practice for a preliminary, non-licensed period of up to six months while completing requirements. |
License Tiers
Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| On-the-Job Trained Dental Assistant (OJT) | N/A |
| Formally Trained Dental Assistant (FTDA) | N/A |
| Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) | N/A |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) | N/A |
Dental Assistant Salary in Massachusetts
The median dental assistant salary in Massachusetts is $57,960 per year, which is 22.5% above the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,870 |
| 25th | $49,130 |
| 50th (median) | $57,960 |
| 75th | $61,190 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,300 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 9,250 dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Dental Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.