Dental Assistant in Vermont: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Vermont employs 580 dental assistants, with a statewide median of $52,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental assistants Earn in Vermont (May 2025)
- Vermont median pay
- $52,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,260
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,420
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $66,410
- Employed in Vermont
- 580
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental assistants in major Vermont markets:
- Burlington
- $57,230 (270 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont
Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $52,760 median stretches to roughly $53,837 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)
Vermont is projected to grow dental assistants employment +0.9%, slower than the +6.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Vermont License and Certification Requirements
No general license; radiography/expanded functions per Board rules — regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners.
- You can start as a basic dental assistant in Vermont without a license.
- Complete required training to take dental X-rays.
- For expanded functions, follow the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners' requirements.
Official requirements: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners →
Training in Vermont
Fast entry; adding radiography and expanded-functions credentials quickly raises your value and pay. Many learn on the job, then certify.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Vermont include:
- Vermont State University — 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 Vermont?
The median wage for dental assistants in Vermont is $52,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,260, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $66,410. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Vermont?
No general license; radiography/expanded functions per Board rules, overseen by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners. You can start as a basic dental assistant in Vermont without a license.
Is being a Dental Assistant a good career in Vermont?
Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
Which Vermont metros pay dental assistants the most?
Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $57,230. 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 Vermont?
Real Vermont options include Vermont State University. Most dental assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Assistant a growing career in Vermont?
Vermont projects dental assistants employment to change +0.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9091. Licensing summary compiled from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — 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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.