In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Why Arkansas?
Arkansas has seen steady growth in the healthcare sector, including dental services. The demand for dental assistants is increasing, driven by population growth and the expansion of dental practices, particularly in urban areas like Little Rock and Fayetteville. Because of this, dental assistants in Arkansas may earn competitive wages, especially considering the state’s lower cost of living, which means that dental assistants may enjoy a higher standard of living with the salaries they earn. Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and retirement plans may also be offered by employers in the state, contributing to its desirability as a location.
Quick view
There are roughly 2,970 people employed as a dental assistant in Arkansas, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to approximately 2.4 people working in the field for every 1,000 people who reside in the state. The median wage per hour is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.4%, just faster than the national average for all job fields combined. With its natural beauty—including mountains, rivers and parks—Arkansas offers a home where dental assistants can enjoy a good work-life balance with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation.
Employers in Arkansas leverage the skills of dental assistants to support a range of dental procedures, manage patient care and ensure smooth clinic operations. Some of the larger employers of dental assistants in the state include:
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital Dental Clinic, Little Rock, AR:
- The dental programs at Arkansas Children’s provides care for patients with limited access to traditional dental care due to age, medical or economic liabilities. Dental assistants at ACH may assist in specialized pediatric dental procedures, manage patient records, sterilize instruments and provide patient education tailored to children and their parents. They also play a role in calming young patients during treatments.
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Dental Clinic, Little Rock, AR:
- As part of a leading medical university, the UAMS Dental Clinic in Little Rock employs dental assistants to support a wide range of dental procedures, including oral surgeries and routine cleanings. Dental assistants here may work closely with dental students and faculty, preparing patients, assisting during procedures and managing administrative tasks like scheduling and patient records.
- Aspen Dental, Fayetteville, Little Rock, Jonesboro, other locations, AR:
- Aspen Dental is a nationwide chain with several locations in Arkansas, offering general and cosmetic dentistry. Dental assistants at Aspen Dental may take on responsibilities such as taking X-rays, assisting with fillings, crowns, and extractions and providing chairside support during procedures. They also educate patients on post-operative care and oral hygiene.
- Delta Dental, Sherwood, AR:
- While Delta Dental is primarily an insurance provider, they operate clinics where dental assistants can be employed. These assistants may help with patient intake, perform dental cleanings, assist with minor dental procedures and handle patient records. They might also engage in patient education, particularly related to preventive care.
- Rock Dental Brands, Little Rock and multiple locations across the state, AR:
- Rock Dental Brands operates several dental offices across Arkansas, including Westrock Orthodontics, Leap Kids Dental and Rock Family Dental. Dental assistants in these practices may work in a variety of specialties, from orthodontics to general dentistry. Their duties might include preparing patients for orthodontic procedures, taking dental impressions, assisting with braces fittings and providing routine dental care.
Salary stats for Arkansas
While the national median salary for dental assistants is just over $47,300 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in Arkansas, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Median dental assistant salaries in Arkansas
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Arkansas is $37,680. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. As you can see, the highest paying metro areas in the state include Little Rock, Jonesboro and Fayetteville. Even though the median pay in those metro areas is just below the national median, you need to take the cost of living into account. Arkansas’ lower than the national average cost of living makes up for the less than the national median pay.
Dental Assistants
10%$32,930
25%$35,670
50%$37,680Median
75%$44,860
90%$47,230
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth6.4%
Total Employment3,020
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $40,210 | $36,240 | $45,570 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $38,540 | $31,440 | $48,130 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $36,250 | $30,630 | $44,720 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $35,860 | $31,200 | $45,720 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $35,360 | $31,180 | $44,710 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for dental assistants in Arkansas
The salary range for dental assistants in Arkansas typically spans from $32,930 to $47,230 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position. In fact, the most significant factor contributing to seniority is the number of years in the profession, as dental assistants who have worked for several years typically earn higher salaries and may be given more responsibilities.
Some dental assistants choose to go back to school and expand their skills, moving into dental administration assisting, dental lab technician work or even become dental hygienists. These roles may offer opportunities for higher salaries. Here are some median annual salaries, cited by the BLS, that compare dental assistant pay to other related dental career salaries:
Pay by metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Logically, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas as the cost of living is usually higher. If your city is a dental hub, say for example you work in Fayetteville or Little Rock, which are home to several high profile dental brands, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, Arkansas does not rank in the top 10 metro areas, but dental assistant pay in cities such as Little Rock, Jonesboro and Fayetteville is higher than the national average.
Salary growth and job outlook
Dental assisting is growing as an industry in Arkansas due to several specific factors, with the BLS touting a 6.4% job growth rate through 2034. These factors include:
Demand for dental services: The population of Arkansas is experiencing a rise in dental care needs, driven by a growing awareness of oral health’s importance. As people become more conscious of the need for regular dental checkups and treatments, the demand for dental services, and consequently dental assistants, increases.
Aging population: Arkansas, like many states, has a significant aging population. Older adults often require more dental care, including restorative procedures, dentures and other specialized treatments. This demographic trend is contributing to the growth of dental assisting and lab tech jobs.
Expanding dental care access: Efforts to improve access to dental care, particularly in underserved or rural areas of Arkansas, are creating more opportunities for dental assistants. Expanded insurance coverage and public health initiatives are helping more residents receive dental care, which in turn drives demand for dental professionals.
Industry growth: The number of dental practices in Arkansas is increasing, especially in growing urban centers like Little Rock and Fayetteville. This expansion is driven by population growth and economic development, leading to more job openings for dental assistants.
Role expansion: The role of dental assistants is expanding, with many practices delegating more responsibilities to these professionals, such as taking X-rays, performing basic dental procedures and managing patient care. This expansion of duties makes dental assistants more integral to the dental team, fueling demand for their services.
Job stability: The dental assisting field offers job stability and opportunities for career advancement, which makes it an attractive option for those entering the workforce or seeking a career change. This appeal is driving more individuals to pursue training and certification in dental assisting, further supporting industry growth.
Public health initiatives: Arkansas has public health initiatives aimed at improving oral health in the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These programs often rely on dental assistants to help deliver care, contributing to the growth of the profession.
Economic recovery: As Arkansas continues to recover from economic downturns and experiences growth, more residents have disposable income to spend on dental care, contributing to an increased demand for dental services and the need for more dental assistants.
Factors that affect dental assisting pay in AR
Several factors can influence your salary potential in Arkansas. Some of these factors may include:
- Experience:
- Like most professions, more experienced dental assistants tend to earn higher salaries. Those with several years of experience or specialized skills may command higher wages.
- Location:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on the area within Arkansas. Urban areas like Little Rock or Fayetteville may offer higher wages due to higher living costs and a greater demand for dental services.
- Education and certification:
- Dental assistants with formal education, such as a diploma or associate degree, and certification, like the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, may earn higher salaries. Certification indicates a higher level of competence and expertise.
- Type of practice:
- The type of dental practice can also affect salary. Dental assistants working in specialized practices, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, might earn more compared to those in general dentistry. Also, larger dental practices or those affiliated with hospitals or dental chains might offer better pay and benefits compared to smaller private practices.
- Continuing education:
- Dental assistants who engage in continuing education and develop advanced skills, such as expanded functions, may also earn higher wages.
What resources do I have if I think my dental assistant pay is unfair in Arkansas?
Dealing with unfair pay, especially if another dental assistant in Arkansas is earning more for doing the same job, can be challenging. Here are some steps for how you can address the situation:
1. Document your case
- Gather information: Collect details about your job responsibilities, experience, certifications and performance.
- Compare salaries: Research the typical salary range for dental assistants in Arkansas with similar experience and qualifications. Websites like the BLS, Glassdoor or Salary.com can provide insights.
2. Evaluate the situation
- Consider the differences: Ensure that the difference in pay isn’t due to factors like additional certifications, longer tenure or other responsibilities the other assistant might have.
- Assess the work environment: Reflect on your relationship with your employer and your contributions to the workplace. This will help you approach the conversation with confidence.
3. Prepare for a conversation
- Build your case: Prepare to present your case logically and professionally. Focus on your contributions, the value you bring to the practice, and how your pay compares to the market rate.
- Practice your approach: Consider how you’ll present your case. Focus on your worth and the fairness of your pay.
4. Request a meeting
- Choose the right time: Ask for a meeting with your employer or supervisor during a time that isn’t busy or stressful.
- Be professional: Approach the conversation with a positive attitude. Express your enjoyment of the job and your desire to continue contributing, but mention that you have concerns about your pay in relation to your role and market standards.
5. During the meeting
- Present your case: Clearly explain why you believe your pay should be adjusted, using the documentation and research you’ve gathered.
- Be open to dialogue: Listen to your employer’s perspective. There may be factors you’re unaware of that influence pay decisions. Be prepared to negotiate.
6. Consider your options
- Negotiation: If your employer is open to discussion, negotiate a fairer salary or inquire about opportunities for raises, bonuses or other benefits.
- Seek professional development: Ask if additional training, certifications or taking on more responsibilities could lead to a pay increase.
- Evaluate your future: If your employer is unwilling to adjust your pay or offer a path to growth, you may need to consider whether it’s worth staying in that position. You could explore other job opportunities that offer better compensation.
7. Legal considerations
- Understand your rights: Familiarize yourself with Arkansas’s labor laws regarding wage discrimination. The federal Equal Pay Act and other laws prohibit pay discrimination based on gender, race or other protected characteristics.
- Seek advice: If you believe your pay disparity is due to discrimination, you may want to consult with a labor attorney or contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing for guidance or wage claims.
Education and training for Arkansas dental assistants
Each state has different educational requirements for dental assistants. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to complete as far as a training program, in Arkansas. The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners states that there are two levels of dental assistant in the state:
Dental assistant:
- Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental assisting program, OR
- Have a minimum of at least two years to a maximum of four years of dental assisting work experience, which must be verified by a licensed dentist
- Earn Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification by passing the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE) and General Chairside Assisting (GC) exams within a five-year period
Registered dental assistant:
A registered dental assistant in Arkansas must hold a permit from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) to perform one or more expanded functions, which may include “coronal polishing, operating dental radiographic equipment, inducing and monitoring nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia and monitoring patients under deep sedation or general anesthesia in offices where the dentist is permitted to provide those services.”
To be issued a permit for any of the expanded functions (except sedation monitoring, which has additional requirements), one must:
- Hold a current national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, OR
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
- Complete an ASBDE-approved course in the desired expanded function(s), OR
- Receive on-the-job training from an Arkansas licensed dentist, AND
- Hold current healthcare provider-level CPR certification, AND
- Provide proof of competency in the desired expanded functions and apply for registration to the ASBDE, AND
- Successfully complete the Arkansas jurisprudence exam
To obtain a permit for sedation monitoring, an individual must:
- Hold a current permit for nitrous oxide administration, AND
- Hold current healthcare provider level CPR certification, AND
- Hold current DANB CDA certification, be a Registered Dental Assistant, a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse, AND
- Successfully complete the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Anesthesia Assistant’s training program or a Board-approved equivalent course within the two years immediately preceding application, AND
- Apply to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, AND
- Successfully complete the Arkansas jurisprudence exam
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating dental assistant salaries in different areas of Arkansas, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of living in Arkansas is generally lower than the national average—8% lower than the national average says RentCafe. Here are some key points:
Overview:
Housing: Housing is significantly more affordable in Arkansas. The median home price and average rent are both well below the national averages.
Utilities: Utility costs in Arkansas are slightly below the national average, with electricity, water and gas being relatively affordable.
Groceries: The cost of groceries in Arkansas is also lower than the national average, making day-to-day living expenses more manageable.
Transportation: Transportation costs, including gas prices and vehicle maintenance, are generally in line with or slightly below the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Arkansas are also typically lower than the national average, though this can vary depending on specific needs and services.
Highest cost of living cities:
Of the cities listed on RentCafe, only Paragould lists higher than the national average, at 4% above.
Lowest cost of living cities:
The good news is some of the Arkansas cities that are industry hubs for dental assisting careers list lower than the national average. These include Little Rock (5% lower), Fayetteville (7% lower) and Jonesboro (16% lower).
Arkansas professional groups for dental assistants
Th following resources can help dental assistants in Arkansas stay informed about industry regulations, certifications and professional development opportunities.
- Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE):
- The ASBDE is the regulatory body that oversees the licensing and practice standards for dental professionals in Arkansas, including dental assistants. It provides information on certification requirements, continuing education and scope of practice.
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA):
- ADAA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting dental assistants nationally and in Arkansas. It offers networking opportunities, professional development resources and information on industry standards and advancements.
Find dental assistant salary guides for different states: Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | New Jersey | North Carolina | Ohio | Texas
Our dental assistant salary guide for Arkansas strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, navigating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.