How to Become A Dental Assistant in Hawaii
Hawaii employs approximately 1,960 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $44,720 1. The state’s concentration of dental assistant jobs is 1.25x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 52,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a dental assistant in Hawaii, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dental Assistant in Hawaii
How do I become a dental assistant in Hawaii? Hawaii requires credentials such as Dental Hygienist. The licensing authority is the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Typical requirements include approximately 18 years of experience 3.
Do I need a license in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii has licensing or registration requirements for dental assistants. The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do dental assistants earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Hawaii is $44,720 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,540 and experienced professionals can earn $50,340 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners
- Median wage (Hawaii): $44,720 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Hawaii
The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners oversees dental assistant licensing in Hawaii 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist | DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A Dental Hygienist performs dental prophylactic treatments and instructs groups and individuals in the care of the teeth and mouth. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), dental assistants wages in Hawaii vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 1,450 | $42,750 | $42,430 | $31,540 | $49,510 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 220 | $46,320 | $46,620 | $35,720 | $55,530 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Dental assistants in Hawaii
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dental assistant employment within Hawaii according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 1,450 | $42,750 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 220 | $46,320 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 1,960 dental assistants 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a dental assistant in Hawaii with an out-of-state license? Contact the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Hawaii.
How much do dental assistants earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Hawaii is $44,720, which is $2,580 below the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Dental Examiners - Licensing Information: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.