Dental Assistant in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Nebraska
To become a Licensed Dental Assistant in Nebraska, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This includes graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or having 1,500 hours of experience, passing the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, and successfully completing the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination. Additionally, there are specific education or experience requirements for performing coronal polishing and radiography. Licensed Dental Assistants must be at least 19 years old and renew their license biennially with 30 hours of continuing education. Reciprocity is available for those licensed and actively practicing in other states for a specified period.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Nebraska
| Detail | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program OR 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past five years. Additionally, specific education/courses are required for coronal polishing and radiography. All applicants must pass the Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination with a minimum score of 75%. |
| Experience Required | 1,500.0 hours |
| Exam | DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and Nebraska Dental Assistant jurisprudence examination ($250) |
| Application Fee | $95 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 19 years old. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Background checks may be required. Unlicensed dental assistants can perform basic duties under supervision. Specific credentials are required for coronal polishing and radiography. Expanded function permits are available after licensure and additional education/experience. |
Dental Assistant Salary in Nebraska
The median dental assistant salary in Nebraska is $46,660 per year, which is 1.4% below the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,430 |
| 25th | $39,710 |
| 50th (median) | $46,660 |
| 75th | $48,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $57,820 |
Nebraska employs approximately 2,360 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 Nebraska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.