Launch your dental career with free online training. Hawaii dental assistants earn $42,130+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$42,130/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
850+
Population 65+
19.4
Training Cost
FREE
Aloha State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 850+ dental practices and a population where 19.4 are over 65.
Hawaii dental assistants earn $42,130 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $45,000 - $52,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Hawaii.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Hawaii requires dental assistants to register with the Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners. Basic dental assistants can work under direct dentist supervision without registration. Hawaii offers Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) permits for additional clinical procedures requiring approved training.
Hawaii requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or equivalent. Radiography certification must be renewed with continuing education. All X-rays must be taken under dentist supervision.
Largest market, 70% of state population
Resort island, tourism economy
Largest island, diverse communities
Garden Isle, smaller market
Federal positions, excellent benefits
Hawaii offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 300+
Facilities: Network of 600+ dentists
Location: 700 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Hawaii's largest dental benefits company connecting patients with dental providers statewide.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 15 dental clinics
Location: Multiple Oahu locations
Integrated health system with dental services for Kaiser members across Hawaii.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 5 dental locations
Location: 1301 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Hawaii's largest healthcare system with dental services throughout Oahu.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Honolulu
Community health center serving Honolulu's diverse and underserved populations.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 2 locations
Location: Kalihi, Honolulu
Federally qualified health center providing dental care to immigrant communities.
View Careers →Employees: 50+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Oahu
Growing DSO presence in Hawaii's dental market.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 4 locations
Location: Big Island
Community health center serving Hawaii Island's rural communities.
View Careers →Employees: 1,200+
Facilities: 700+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices across all Hawaiian islands.
View Careers →Keani M.
Honolulu • Kaiser Permanente
"Working in Hawaii means serving diverse communities. Multicultural experience is invaluable."
2024-11
Jessica T.
Maui • Private Practice
"Island life is worth the cost of living adjustment. Love my work-life balance here."
2024-10
David K.
Pearl Harbor • Navy Dental
"Military dental benefits are incredible. Housing allowance makes Hawaii affordable."
2024-09
Hawaii dental assistants earn an average of $42,130 annually ($20.25/hour). Entry-level positions start at $34,000-$38,500, while experienced DAs earn $45,000-$52,000. Military dental positions often pay $42,000-$50,000 with federal benefits. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Basic dental assistants in Hawaii can work under direct dentist supervision without registration. However, registration with the Board of Dental Examiners is required for expanded functions. Radiography certification is required to take dental X-rays.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Hawaii's radiography certification requires an approved course plus examination. EFDA permits require additional approved training. Most students are job-ready in 2-3 months.
Stable outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Hawaii's 850 dental practices, tourism economy supporting dental services, and 19.4% population over 65 create consistent demand. Military bases provide additional employment opportunities with federal benefits.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for radiography certification exam and any optional DANB certifications when ready. Hawaii's cost of living is high, but many employers offer competitive wages and benefits to attract workers.
Honolulu/Oahu leads with $40,000-$48,000 as home to 70% of Hawaii's population and most dental practices. Military dental positions (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks) offer $42,000-$50,000 with federal benefits including housing allowances.
Hawaii offers: (1) Island lifestyle with year-round warm weather, (2) Diverse multicultural patient populations, (3) Military base employment with federal benefits, (4) Smaller job market requiring flexibility, (5) High cost of living offset by quality of life.
Hawaii recognizes DANB certification for radiography and expanded functions. If you hold current DANB credentials, the transfer process is straightforward. Contact the Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners to verify current reciprocity requirements for your specific credentials.
Join thousands of Hawaii residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredHawaii's dental workforce serves approximately 1.4 million residents across six major islands through an estimated 850 dental practices. Oahu (Honolulu) contains roughly 70% of dental employment opportunities, with neighbor islands offering smaller but stable markets.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Hawaii employed approximately 2,400 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $42,130. While below the national median, Hawaii's unique lifestyle and military employment opportunities attract workers despite higher living costs.
Hawaii's geographic isolation creates distinct workforce dynamics. Dental practices often face recruitment challenges, which can translate to competitive wages and benefits for qualified dental assistants willing to relocate or those already residing in the islands.
Military dental facilities represent significant employers. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, and other installations employ civilian dental assistants with federal benefits, housing allowances, and competitive wages that help offset Hawaii's high cost of living.
Community health centers including Waikiki Health, Kokua Kalihi Valley, and Bay Clinic serve Hawaii's diverse populations, including immigrant communities and rural residents. These organizations provide mission-driven employment with potential loan repayment benefits.
Hawaii's aging population (19.4% over 65) and tourism industry supporting cosmetic and emergency dental services create sustained demand. The multicultural population—including Native Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and mainland transplant communities—offers rich clinical experience.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.