Dental Assistant in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Mississippi
In Mississippi, dental assistants are not required to be licensed for general duties. However, a radiology permit is mandatory to perform dental radiography, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. To obtain this permit, individuals must complete a board-approved radiography course, or graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program, or hold a current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. The DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam is typically part of the approved pathways. There is no direct reciprocity for dental assistant permits in Mississippi, but national certifications and accredited education can be used to meet permit requirements.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Board-approved course for radiography, OR graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program, OR current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. |
| Exam | DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam ($270) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Mississippi does not license dental assistants for general duties. A permit is required to perform dental radiography. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to take the DANB RHS exam. CPR certification is required for dental assistants involved in direct patient care. Background checks may be part of the DANB exam application process. |
Dental Assistant Salary in Mississippi
The median dental assistant salary in Mississippi is $37,130 per year, which is 21.5% below the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $28,170 |
| 25th | $35,000 |
| 50th (median) | $37,130 |
| 75th | $46,160 |
| 90th (experienced) | $55,480 |
Mississippi employs approximately 2,690 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.