Dental Assistant in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Georgia employs 10,540 dental assistants, with a statewide median of $46,840 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental assistants Earn in Georgia (May 2025)
- Georgia median pay
- $46,840 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,410
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,960
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $57,710
- Employed in Georgia
- 10,540
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental assistants in major Georgia markets:
- Savannah
- $45,710 (380 employed)
- Augusta
- $43,790 (670 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia
Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $46,840 median stretches to roughly $48,640 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)
Georgia is projected to grow dental assistants employment +6.9%, about in line with the +6.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,360 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Georgia License and Certification Requirements
No state license — radiographic training required — regulated by the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
- Georgia does not require a state license for basic dental assistants. Entry is possible with on-the-job training under a supervising dentist. Dental assistants performing dental radiography must have completed Georgia Board of Dentistry-approved radiography training.
- The DANB Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam satisfies the Georgia radiography qualification requirement. A full CODA-accredited dental assisting program (9–12 months) provides the strongest career foundation.
- DANB CDA certification is the preferred credential among Atlanta-area group practices and DSOs (dental service organizations).
Official requirements: Georgia Board of Dentistry →
Training in Georgia
CODA-accredited Georgia programs include programs at Atlanta Technical College and other metro-area schools. Atlanta's rapidly growing population and expanding dental practice market — including large DSOs like Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental — create strong demand for trained dental assistants.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:
- Albany State University — Associate
- Albany Technical College — Certificate
- Athens Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Atlanta 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 Georgia?
The median wage for dental assistants in Georgia is $46,840 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $57,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Georgia?
No state license — radiographic training required, overseen by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Georgia does not require a state license for basic dental assistants. Entry is possible with on-the-job training under a supervising dentist. Dental assistants performing dental radiography must have completed Georgia Board of Dentistry-approved radiography training.
Is being a Dental Assistant a good career in Georgia?
Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
Which Georgia metros pay dental assistants the most?
Among Georgia metro areas, Savannah leads at $45,710, followed by Augusta ($43,790). 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 Georgia?
Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College. Most dental assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Assistant a growing career in Georgia?
Georgia projects dental assistants employment to change +6.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,360 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9091. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia Board of Dentistry (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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.