Dental Assistant in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arkansas employs 2,950 dental assistants, with a statewide median of $42,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental assistants Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $42,830 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,730
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $48,330
- Employed in Arkansas
- 2,950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental assistants in major Arkansas markets:
- Memphis
- $48,200 (1,200 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $47,050 (680 employed)
- Little Rock
- $45,140 (920 employed)
- Texarkana
- $38,180 (120 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $37,160 (220 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $36,720 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $42,830 median stretches to roughly $49,287 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow dental assistants employment +19.5%, faster than the +6.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 490 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
No general license; radiography/expanded duties per Board rules — regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- You can start as a basic dental assistant in Arkansas without a license.
- Complete required training/permit to take dental X-rays.
- For expanded duties, follow the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners' requirements.
Official requirements: Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners →
Training in Arkansas
Fast entry; adding radiography and expanded-duties credentials quickly raises your value and pay. Many learn on the job, then certify.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College — Certificate
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Associate
- University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a fast entry into healthcare and enjoy working closely with patients in a clinical environment.
Think twice if: Sitting in a dental operatory all day, exposure to dental materials, or a pay ceiling that's hard to break through sounds limiting.
Why it's resilient: Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
First Steps
Check whether your state requires a formal program or allows on-the-job training — requirements vary significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Arkansas?
The median wage for dental assistants in Arkansas is $42,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $48,330. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Arkansas?
No general license; radiography/expanded duties per Board rules, overseen by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. You can start as a basic dental assistant in Arkansas without a license.
Is being a Dental Assistant a good career in Arkansas?
Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
Which Arkansas metros pay dental assistants the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $48,200, followed by Fayetteville ($47,050), Little Rock ($45,140). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Assistant in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Most dental assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Assistant a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects dental assistants employment to change +19.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 490 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9091. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.