Dental Assistant in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tennessee
To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent). Key steps include successfully completing the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam and submitting an application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. A criminal background check and two letters of recommendation from licensed dental professionals are also required. While basic dental assistants do not require registration, expanded functions necessitate additional board-approved training and certification. Tennessee may offer reciprocity for comparable training programs completed in other states for expanded functions, subject to Board review.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent); successful completion of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam. |
| Exam | Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. A criminal background check is required. Two letters of recommendation from licensed dental professionals are needed. Proof of citizenship or legal residency is required. Basic Dental Assistants do not need to be registered. Additional certifications are required for expanded functions like coronal polishing, sealant application, nitrous oxide monitoring, and restorative/prosthetic functions. For restorative and prosthetic functions, a minimum of two years of continuous full-time employment within the past three years as a dental assistant/hygienist is required for admission to a board-approved course. |
Source: Tennessee Board of Dentistry
License Tiers
Tennessee offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | N/A |
Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee
The median dental assistant salary in Tennessee is $46,090 per year, which is 2.6% below the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,780 |
| 25th | $38,980 |
| 50th (median) | $46,090 |
| 75th | $54,440 |
| 90th (experienced) | $59,210 |
Tennessee employs approximately 6,370 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 Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.