Free Training — Georgia

Dental Assistant Training in Georgia

Launch your dental career with free online training. Georgia dental assistants earn $45,510+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.

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Georgia Quick Facts

Average Salary

$45,510/year

Job Growth

6 (2024-2034)

Dental Practices

5,800+

Population 65+

15.3

Training Cost

FREE

Why Become a Dental Assistant in Georgia?

Peach State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 5,800+ dental practices and a population where 15.3 are over 65.

Competitive Pay

Georgia dental assistants earn $45,510 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $49,000 - $56,000.

Growing Demand

6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Georgia.

Quick Start

Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.

Georgia Dental Assistant Requirements

Registration Requirements

Georgia requires dental assistants to register with the Georgia Board of Dentistry to perform expanded duties. Basic dental assistants working under direct supervision need no formal credential. Georgia offers Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certification through approved programs and state examination.

X-Ray Certification

Georgia requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course (minimum 24 hours) and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or Georgia state exam. Certification must be renewed annually with continuing education requirements.

Dental Assistant Salaries in Georgia

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-1 yr) $36,500 - $41,500
Mid-Level (2-4 yrs) $42,000 - $48,000
Senior (5+ yrs) $49,000 - $56,000
Certified/EFDA $51,000 - $59,000

Salary by Region

Atlanta Metro $44,000 - $52,000

Largest market, CDC headquarters influence

Savannah $41,000 - $48,000

Coastal market, tourism economy

Augusta $40,000 - $46,000

Medical College of Georgia proximity

Columbus $39,000 - $45,000

Military community (Fort Moore)

Macon $38,000 - $44,000

Central Georgia hub

Top Dental Employers in Georgia

Georgia offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.

Aspen Dental

DSO Network

Employees: 1,800+

Facilities: 80+ locations

Location: Multiple GA locations

Major DSO with extensive Georgia presence offering structured career development.

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Heartland Dental

DSO Network

Employees: 1,200+

Facilities: 60+ locations

Location: Multiple GA locations

Doctor-led DSO providing practice support throughout Georgia.

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Pacific Dental Services

DSO Network

Employees: 600+

Facilities: 30+ locations

Location: Atlanta metro and beyond

Growing DSO presence across Georgia markets.

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Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

Academic

Employees: 300+

Facilities: 1 dental school

Location: 1430 John Wesley Gilbert Dr, Augusta, GA 30912

Georgia's only dental school, part of Augusta University Medical Center.

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Grady Health System Dental

Safety Net

Employees: 200+

Facilities: 4 locations

Location: Atlanta

Atlanta's safety net hospital with dental services for underserved populations.

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Georgia Mountains Health

FQHC

Employees: 100+

Facilities: Multiple locations

Location: North Georgia

Community health center serving North Georgia mountain communities.

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East Georgia Healthcare Center

FQHC

Employees: 75+

Facilities: Multiple locations

Location: East Georgia

FQHC serving rural East Georgia communities with dental services.

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Private Practice Network

Various

Employees: 8,500+

Facilities: 5,000+ practices

Location: Statewide

Diverse private practices from metro Atlanta to rural Georgia.

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Georgia Dental Assistant Success Stories

BJ

Brittany J.

Atlanta • Heartland Dental

"Atlanta's dental market is booming. DSO gave me structure to grow my career quickly."

2024-11

MD

Marcus D.

Augusta • DCG

"Working at the dental school means learning from experts and interesting cases daily."

2024-10

SL

Sarah L.

Savannah • Private Practice

"Coastal Georgia lifestyle plus good dental career. Best of both worlds!"

2024-09

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia dental assistants earn an average of $45,510 annually ($21.88/hour). Entry-level positions start at $36,500-$41,500, while experienced DAs earn $49,000-$56,000. Atlanta metro offers highest wages at $44,000-$52,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.

Basic dental assistants in Georgia can work under direct dentist supervision without registration. However, registration with the Georgia Board of Dentistry is required for expanded duties and radiography certification. EDDA certification requires additional approved training.

EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Georgia's radiography certification requires a 24-hour approved course plus examination. EDDA certification requires completing an approved program (varies by school). Most students are job-ready in 2-4 months.

Very strong! 6% projected growth through 2034 in Georgia's growing market. The state's 10.9 million residents, 5,800+ dental practices, and Atlanta's status as a major healthcare hub create consistent demand. CDC and healthcare industry presence strengthens the job market.

Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Georgia radiography certification course and exam ($200-300) and any optional DANB certifications when ready. Many Georgia employers reimburse certification costs after hire.

Atlanta metro leads with $44,000-$52,000 as the state's dominant dental market. Alpharetta, Buckhead, and northern suburbs pay premiums. Savannah offers $41,000-$48,000 with coastal lifestyle. Augusta benefits from Dental College of Georgia presence with academic opportunities.

Basic DAs in Georgia can assist chairside, sterilize instruments, and prepare treatment rooms. With EDDA certification, you can perform coronal polishing, apply fluoride and sealants, take impressions, and place/remove rubber dams. Radiography certification required for X-rays.

Yes! Rural Georgia faces dental provider shortages, creating opportunities for dental assistants willing to work outside metro Atlanta. Community health centers in North Georgia mountains and rural areas often offer loan repayment and competitive wages to attract workers.

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Georgia Dental Assistant Market Overview

Georgia's dental workforce serves approximately 10.9 million residents through an estimated 5,800+ dental practices. Metro Atlanta dominates dental employment, though opportunities exist throughout the state from Savannah's coast to Augusta's medical community to rural mountain regions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Georgia employed approximately 14,500 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $45,510. This positions Georgia slightly below the national median, though Atlanta metro wages compare favorably to other major metros.

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University represents the state's only dental school, training approximately 80 dentists annually. The school's presence elevates Augusta's dental job market and creates clinical education opportunities for dental assistants.

Major dental support organizations maintain significant Georgia operations. Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, and Pacific Dental Services together operate 170+ locations across the state, providing structured employment opportunities with benefits and advancement paths.

Atlanta's position as a major healthcare hub—home to CDC headquarters and numerous healthcare companies—creates a strong dental services ecosystem. The metro area's continued growth and corporate relocations drive sustained dental employment demand.

Georgia's federally qualified health centers serve underserved populations in both urban and rural settings. Organizations like Georgia Mountains Health and East Georgia Healthcare Center provide dental services in areas facing provider shortages, often offering loan repayment incentives.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.