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). No statewide license is required; most dental assistants train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
Sponsored - request program info
Compare Dental Assistant Schools in Texas
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarrant County College District | 60.6 | Contact school for pricing | $50,928 | 29% | Yes* | 109 mi |
| 2 | Dallas College | 60.4 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | Not reported | Yes* | 122 mi |
| 3 | Austin Community College District | 49.6 | $2,550 - $15,190 | $57,624 | 19% | Yes* | 64 mi |
| 4 | The College of Health Care Professions-Austin | 48.2 | Contact school for pricing | $39,421 | 58% | — | 67 mi |
| 5 | Texas State Technical College | 47.6 | Contact school for pricing | $55,511 | 41% | Yes* | 53 mi |
| 6 | Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $38,038 | Not reported | — | 110 mi |
| 7 | The College of Health Care Professions-Fort Worth | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $35,515 | 68% | — | 120 mi |
| 8 | Blinn College District | 40.9 | $4,890 - $15,252 | $53,339 | 11% | Yes* | 114 mi |
| 9 | Temple College | 39.9 | Contact school for pricing | $54,976 | 29% | Yes* | 32 mi |
| 10 | Navarro College | 38.7 | Contact school for pricing | $46,253 | 23% | Yes* | 99 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
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 certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 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 2025.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
- Median wage (Texas): $45,430 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Both state and third-party exams required
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dental Assistant in Texas
How do I become a dental assistant in Texas? Texas requires credentials such as DENTAL HYGIENIST, Racing – Equine Dental Provider, EQUINE DENTAL PROVIDER (EDP). The licensing authority is the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Texas? Yes. Texas has licensing or registration requirements for dental assistants. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
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.
Top Metros for Dental assistants in Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dental assistant employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 9,010 | $47,570 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 8,150 | $43,730 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 3,820 | $45,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 3,010 | $48,500 |
| El Paso | 840 | $39,090 |
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Texas
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Texas training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Texas that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Texas does not require a statewide license, earn CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Texas
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners oversees dental assistant licensing in Texas 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| DENTAL HYGIENIST | Dental hygienists are a part of the dental health team. They work under the supervision of a licensed dentist and duties may include cleaning and polishing teeth, taking X-rays, tending sutures, perfo… |
| Racing – Equine Dental Provider | An individual licensed by the Vet Board to provide equine dentistry on association grounds. |
| EQUINE DENTAL PROVIDER (EDP) | With appropriate supervision, a licensed equine dental provider (EDP) may perform various tasks delegated to the EDP by a Texas-licensed veterinarian. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
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 apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited 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 Abbott, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Abell, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Abernathy, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Abilene, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Abram, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Ace, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Ackerly, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Adamsville, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Addicks, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Addison, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Adrian, Texas (2026)
- Best Dental Assistant Programs in Ady, 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
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) |