License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Highlights
License required in 7 states
76th most burdensome licensing requirements
82nd most heavily regulated occupation
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Definition
Dental assistants, also known as orthodontic assistants, assist dentists, set up patients and equipment and keep records.
Summary
Seven states require a license or registration to work as a dental assistant. On average, these laws cost aspiring dental assistants 55 days in education and training and $50 in fees. License requirements for dental assistants vary across states. Iowa has the most burdensome requirements, with one year lost to education and training, three exams and $86 in fees. The other states that license dental assistants have modest or, as in the case of Vermont, no education requirements.
