How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 33,230 dental assistants earning a median $45,430 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Dental Assistant here means completing a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires, then applying through Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Texas employs approximately 33,230 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $45,430 1. 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 Texas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: dental assisting program or on-the-job training where the state allows it (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires
- Licensing authority: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
- Exam: DANB CDA and/or state RDA or radiography permit
- Median wage (Texas): $45,430 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas
How to become a Dental Assistant in Texas? Complete a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Apply through Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Do I need a license in Texas? Yes. Texas credentials this role through Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 3. See the licensing section below.
What do dental assistants earn in Texas? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Texas is $45,430 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,400 and experienced professionals can earn $57,640 or more 1.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas
- Meet basic requirements. Most Texas dental assisting programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm age and background rules with Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Complete a dental assisting program or on-the-job training if the state allows it. Finish a certificate (often under a year) or associate program in Texas. Prefer a CODA-accredited program. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Earn CDA and any state assistant credential. DANB CDA is the national exam. Some states also require RDA, a radiography permit, or expanded-functions (EFDA). Confirm current permits with Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Apply to the state dental board when registration is required. Some states register assistants; others only permit X-ray or expanded duties; some allow OJT with no statewide license. Do not treat a hygienist or dentist license as the assistant path.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Texas
Dental assistants in Texas typically complete a short program or on-the-job training where allowed, then earn DANB CDA and any RDA or radiography permit Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requires. See Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a dental assisting program or OJT if the state allows it.
Earn DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit.
Apply to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners when registration or licensure is required.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Texas State Board of Dental Examiners before you enroll.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), dental assistants wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 9,010 | $47,570 | $47,770 | $36,820 | $58,710 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 8,150 | $43,730 | $43,010 | $30,540 | $55,160 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 3,820 | $45,920 | $44,240 | $36,960 | $49,120 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 3,010 | $48,500 | $51,440 | $36,630 | $64,440 |
| El Paso | 840 | $39,090 | $40,250 | $30,080 | $46,540 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 670 | $37,230 | $38,630 | $29,960 | $45,490 |
| Killeen-Temple | 470 | $44,450 | $44,430 | $35,180 | $56,620 |
| Lubbock | 440 | $39,900 | $41,380 | $31,660 | $47,490 |
| Corpus Christi | 380 | $38,730 | $42,410 | $34,420 | $48,630 |
| Tyler | 370 | $38,390 | $41,640 | $32,130 | $48,560 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 350 | $44,820 | $43,840 | $35,540 | $56,080 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 330 | $37,560 | $39,330 | $30,010 | $45,790 |
| Amarillo | 280 | $44,010 | $43,150 | $35,200 | $56,930 |
| Longview | 280 | $43,300 | $41,990 | $31,760 | $48,280 |
| College Station-Bryan | 270 | $43,630 | $42,460 | $34,630 | $49,230 |
| Waco | 250 | $43,980 | $43,390 | $35,040 | $57,690 |
| Sherman-Denison | 240 | $46,040 | $43,430 | $34,840 | $53,450 |
| Laredo | 190 | $37,900 | $38,690 | $30,030 | $45,150 |
| Midland | 190 | $45,820 | $46,130 | $36,520 | $57,570 |
| Abilene | 170 | $39,510 | $41,940 | $34,680 | $48,690 |
| Odessa | 150 | $44,300 | $44,080 | $35,640 | $58,590 |
| Texarkana | 120 | $38,180 | $39,990 | $31,110 | $46,340 |
| Wichita Falls | 120 | $40,280 | $41,560 | $31,510 | $47,740 |
| San Angelo | 110 | $38,710 | $40,890 | $33,740 | $46,660 |
| Victoria | 90 | $43,980 | $44,240 | $31,570 | $62,790 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 33,230 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 Texas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Texas.
How much do dental assistants earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Texas is $45,430, which is $1,870 below the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Texas
Top local programs
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Abilene, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Alice, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Allen, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Alvin, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Amarillo, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Arlington, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Austin, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Balch Springs, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Baytown, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Beaumont, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Bedford, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Belton, Texas (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Texas (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Texas
- Best HVAC Schools in Texas (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Texas
- Best Plumbing Schools in Texas (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Texas
Explore More Trades in Texas
- Electrician in Texas
- Plumber in Texas
- HVAC Technician in Texas
- Welder in Texas
- Carpenter in Texas
- Solar Installation Technician in Texas
- Auto Mechanic in Texas
- CNC Machinist in Texas
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Texas
- Medical Assistant in Texas
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners - Licensing Information: http://tsbde.texas.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |