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By: All Allied Health Staff
Why choose Texas?
Texas is a great state for dental assistants and is often considered one of the top states in the profession. Here’s why:
- High demand: Texas has a large and growing population, which may increase the demand for dental services and, consequently, for dental assistants. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says Texas is the second largest employer of dental assistants in the U.S.
- Educational opportunities: Texas has a wide range of accredited dental assisting programs, from certificates to associate degrees, making it easier to enter the profession.
- State licensing: Texas has clear and supportive regulations for dental assistants, including opportunities to earn expanded functions certifications, which can enhance job roles and salaries.
- Variety of employers: From private dental practices to large healthcare systems, and even educational institutions, Texas offers a diverse range of work environments for dental assistants.
- Work-life balance: Texas offers a good balance of work opportunities and lifestyle, with plenty of recreational activities, a strong economy and a friendly community atmosphere.
Quick view
There are roughly 34,490 people employed as dental assistants in Texas, says the BLS. This equates to approximately 2.5 people working in the field for every 1,000 people who reside in the state. In fact, the BLS says Texas is preceded only by California for highest employment of dental assistants for the entire country. The median wage per hour is $20 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.4%, faster than the national average for all job fields combined.
Compared to other large states like California however, Texas has a relatively low cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. This affordability is a significant draw for those looking to maximize their income. Unlike California, Texas has no state income tax, which can result in more take-home pay for workers, making it a financially appealing destination.
Here are five primary employers of dental assistants in Texas, including a university dental college:
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX:
- Previously known as Baylor College of Dentistry and currently part of the Texas A&M system located in Baylor University Medical Center, Texas A&M College of Dentistry is a leading dental school offering comprehensive dental care services. Dental assistants here work alongside dental students and faculty, gaining experience in a teaching hospital environment.
- UTHealth School of Dentistry, Houston, TX:
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry is another prominent institution offering dental education and services. Dental assistants play a crucial role in supporting clinical operations and student training.
- Pacific Dental Services, Fort Worth, Denton and multiple locations, TX:
- Pacific Dental Services is a dental support organization that partners with 140 practices across Texas. Dental assistants here work in a variety of settings, providing support in general dentistry as well as specialized practices.
- Aspen Dental, Houston, Austin, Texas City and multiple locations, TX:
- Aspen Dental is a nationwide network of dental practices that offers a range of dental services. Dental assistants at Aspen Dental are involved in various aspects of patient care, from routine cleanings to specialized treatments.
- Dental One Partners, Dallas, Plano and multiple locations, TX:
- Dental One Partners supports a network of dental practices across Texas. Dental assistants here work in diverse environments, assisting with general and specialized dental procedures.
Salary statistics for Texas
While the national median salary for dental assistants is just over $47,300 a year, pay in Texas is lower than the national median, at $42,270. However your pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in Texas, how much experience you have, what professional credentials you have earned, who your employer is and your level of education.
Median salaries for dental assistants in Texas
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Texas is $42,270, which is lower than the national median. Looking at the salary widget below you can see that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area pays best and also is higher than the national median. Dallas is followed by Austin and then San Antonio, which both pay less than the national median.
Dental Assistants
10%$29,970
25%$35,880
50%$42,270Median
75%$47,150
90%$55,400
Median Hourly Wage$20
Job growth6.4%
Total Employment31,360
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $46,830 | $37,220 | $56,460 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $44,760 | $36,730 | $64,980 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $40,450 | $35,660 | $50,290 |
| Midland, TX | $39,110 | $34,230 | $57,020 |
| Odessa, TX | $39,050 | $30,080 | $58,040 |
| Tyler, TX | $38,310 | $31,140 | $56,550 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $38,160 | $30,550 | $51,420 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $37,810 | $29,760 | $50,840 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $37,570 | $30,170 | $47,590 |
| El Paso, TX | $37,320 | $28,880 | $46,160 |
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 working in Texas
The median annual salary range for dental assistants in Texas spans from $29,970 for the lowest 10% in the field to $55,400 for the highest 10% of dental assistants. This accounts for entry-level basic dental assistant positions to senior-level roles and those with certifications such as the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential. In fact, the most significant factor contributing to seniority is the number of years in the profession and certification held. The most commonly attained certification by dental assistants in Texas is is the RDA certification. This certification is required for dental assistants who wish to perform certain tasks, such as taking dental X-rays, in the state.
Some dental assistants may choose to continue their education become dental lab technicians or dental hygienists, as these roles may offer opportunities for higher salaries. You can compare dental assistant pay to other dental career salaries below:
Pay by metro area
As noted, your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. It’s common for cities to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a dental industry hub, say for example you work in the Dallas, Houston or Austin areas, which are home to high profile dental chains and the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and the UTHealth School of Dentistry, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. While Texas cities did not rank for pay, the BLS reported that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area ranked number four for highest employment of dental assistants in the U.S. while the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area ranked at number six.
Salary growth and job outlook
The dental assisting industry is growing in general, with the BLS touting a 6.4% job growth rate through 2034. The dental industry in Texas is also growing for several reasons specific to the state:
Expanding population: Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., with significant population increases driven by both in-state growth and migration from other states and countries. This expanding population boosts the demand for dental services, as more residents mean more patients needing regular and specialized dental care.
Urbanization: Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to the development of new dental practices and the expansion of existing ones to meet the needs of growing communities.
Strong economy: Texas has a robust economy, with sectors like technology, energy, healthcare and manufacturing contributing to its economic strength. This economic stability allows for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the dental industry, which supports the opening of new clinics and the expansion of services.
Business-friendly environment: Texas is known for its business-friendly regulations and lack of state income tax, making it an attractive location for dental practitioners to establish and grow their practices.
Public health Initiatives: Texas has implemented various public health programs aimed at improving access to dental care, especially in underserved areas. These initiatives increase the number of people seeking dental services, contributing to industry growth.
Cultural shifts and education: There is a growing awareness of the importance of oral health in Texas, partly due to educational efforts and cultural shifts emphasizing preventive care. As more Texans prioritize dental health, the demand for regular dental visits and specialized treatments rises, driving industry growth.
Factors affecting dental assisting pay in TX
Several factors impact what a dental assistant might earn in Texas, including both general employment factors and specific state laws or practices:
- Location within the state:
- Dental assistants in large metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio may earn higher wages than those in rural areas due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for dental services in cities. These include areas with rapidly growing populations or where access to dental care is limited and employers may offer higher pay to attract qualified dental assistants.
- Level of experience and education:
- As with many professions, more experienced and educated dental assistants may earn higher salaries. Those with specialized skills or extensive experience in high-demand areas of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, may command higher pay.
- Your employer:
- Dental assistants working in private dental practices may earn different wages than those employed by large dental chains or healthcare systems. Larger organizations may offer higher salaries and benefits due to their resources.
Sometimes working in specialized practices, such as oral surgery or orthodontics, results in higher pay compared to general dentistry due to the more complex skills required. - Bilingual or multilingual skills:
- Texas has a significant Hispanic population, estimated at 40% of the state. Bilingual dental assistants may have an advantage, especially in areas with large Hispanic populations. Being able to speak both English and Spanish can make a candidate more attractive to employers and may impact salary.
- Scope of practice:
- Texas allows dental assistants with the appropriate certification to perform a range of duties, including taking X-rays and applying fluoride treatments. Being able to perform these additional tasks may increase a dental assistant’s value to employers, potentially leading to higher pay.
What if my dental assistant pay is unfair in Texas?
If you believe your dental assistant pay is unfair or if you are involved in a wage dispute in Texas, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:
Review your employment agreement
- Check the details: Start by reviewing your employment agreement or contract to understand the terms of your pay, benefits and job responsibilities. Ensure that your employer is adhering to the agreed-upon terms.
- Understand state laws: Familiarize yourself with Texas labor laws, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay and regulations regarding meal and rest breaks.
Speak with your employer
- Initiate a conversation: Schedule a meeting with your employer or HR department to discuss your concerns. Be prepared to present evidence, such as pay stubs or employment records, that support your claim of unfair pay.
- Seek clarification: Sometimes, wage disputes arise from misunderstandings or administrative errors. Ask for clarification on how your pay is calculated and address any discrepancies.
Document everything
- Keep records: Maintain detailed records of your hours worked, pay received and any communication with your employer regarding your wages. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate the issue.
- Record complaints: If you file a complaint with your employer, document the date, time and details of the conversation.
Contact the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
- File a wage claim: If you cannot resolve the dispute with your employer, you can file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission. The TWC can investigate your claim and help recover unpaid wages if they determine that your employer violated state labor laws. Be aware that there is a deadline for filing a wage claim, typically 180 days from the date the wages were due to be paid.
Seek legal assistance
- Consult an attorney: If the issue persists, consider consulting an employment attorney who specializes in wage disputes. An attorney can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights and represent you in negotiations or court if necessary.
- Collective action: If other employees are experiencing similar issues, you may consider taking collective action, which can sometimes strengthen your case.
Consider filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): If your wage dispute involves issues like unpaid overtime or minimum wage violations, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Education for Texas dental assistants
While a formal degree is not required in Texas, many dental assistants choose to complete a certificate or diploma program in dental assisting from an accredited institution. These programs typically cover the basics of dental assisting and prepare students for certification exams. Some dental assistants in Texas may be able to start their careers with on-the-job training, especially in smaller practices, and then pursue certification while working, though this is far less common than a formal certificate program or earning an associate degree.
While you can start working as a dental assistant without professional certification, obtaining the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification is necessary to perform specific duties like taking X-rays or applying sealants.
Steps to earn RDA certification:
- Submit an application: After passing the jurisprudence exam and obtaining CPR certification, you must apply for RDA certification through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- CPR Certification: You must obtain certification in basic life support or CPR from an approved provider.
- Pass the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners jurisprudence exam: This exam tests your knowledge of Texas dental laws and regulations.
Cost of living considerations
The cost of living in Texas is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. Housing costs, in particular, are more affordable compared to other states, contributing significantly to the overall lower cost of living. However, the cost of living can vary within the state. Areas like Houston, San Antonio, and smaller towns tend to be less expensive than major urban centers like Austin and Dallas, which have seen rising housing costs and other expenses due to rapid population growth and economic development.
Overview:
According to RentCafe, the cost of living in Texas is, overall, 7% lower than the national average. This is good news for dental assistants, with housing around 17% lower, and food, goods, transportation and healthcare also lower than the national average. Only utilities are higher, at 3% more than the national average.
Highest cost of living cities:
Of the cities that are major dental industry hubs, only Plano and Dallas list above the national average for cost of living: Plano at 16% higher and Dallas at 2% higher.
Lowest cost of living cities:
Cities that are dental assisting hubs and enjoy a lower cost of living than the national average include Houston (6% lower), Austin (1% lower), San Antonio (9% lower), Denton (1% lower), Fort Worth (4% lower) and Round Rock (8% lower).
Professional groups for Texas dental assistants
In Texas, dental assistants can join several professional associations that offer networking, continuing education and professional development opportunities. These associations help dental assistants stay informed, connected and professionally active. Some of the key associations include:
- Texas Dental Assistants Association (TDAA):
- This is the state affiliate of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), providing resources, advocacy and educational opportunities specifically for Texas dental assistants.
- San Antonio District Dental Society (SADDS):
- SADDS focuses on the needs of dental assistants and their patients in the San Antonio area, offering meetings, educational programs and community involvement opportunities.
- Greater Houston Dental Society (GHDS):
- Similar to SADDS, the Houston chapter serves dentists and dental assistants in the Houston area, providing education, networking and support for its members.
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 Texas 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.