Free Training — Idaho

Dental Assistant Training in Idaho

Launch your dental career with free online training. Idaho dental assistants earn $42,710+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.

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Idaho Quick Facts

Average Salary

$42,710/year

Job Growth

6 (2024-2034)

Dental Practices

1,150+

Population 65+

17.2

Training Cost

FREE

Why Become a Dental Assistant in Idaho?

Gem State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 1,150+ dental practices and a population where 17.2 are over 65.

Competitive Pay

Idaho dental assistants earn $42,710 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $45,500 - $52,000.

Growing Demand

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

Quick Start

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

Idaho Dental Assistant Requirements

Registration Requirements

Idaho requires dental assistants to register with the Idaho State Board of Dentistry. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Idaho offers Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) credentials for additional clinical procedures through approved training and examination.

X-Ray Certification

Idaho requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Certification must be renewed with continuing education requirements. All radiographic procedures require dentist supervision.

Dental Assistant Salaries in Idaho

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-1 yr) $34,500 - $39,000
Mid-Level (2-4 yrs) $39,500 - $45,000
Senior (5+ yrs) $45,500 - $52,000
Certified/EFDA $47,500 - $55,000

Salary by Region

Boise Metro $41,000 - $48,000

Largest market, state capital growth hub

Idaho Falls $39,000 - $45,000

Eastern Idaho, INL proximity

Coeur d'Alene/North Idaho $40,000 - $47,000

Fast-growing, Spokane WA spillover

Twin Falls/Magic Valley $37,000 - $43,000

Agricultural region, community focus

Pocatello $36,500 - $42,000

ISU presence, Southeast Idaho

Top Dental Employers in Idaho

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

Terry Reilly Health Services

FQHC

Employees: 300+

Facilities: 15 locations

Location: Throughout Southwest Idaho

Major community health center providing dental services across Southwest Idaho.

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Idaho State University Dental Hygiene Clinic

Academic

Employees: 50+

Facilities: 1 clinic

Location: Pocatello

Teaching clinic associated with dental hygiene program, serving Southeast Idaho.

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Saint Alphonsus Health System

Health System

Employees: 150+

Facilities: Multiple dental locations

Location: Boise metro

Trinity Health affiliated system with dental services throughout Southwest Idaho.

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Primary Health Medical Group

Health System

Employees: 100+

Facilities: 10+ locations

Location: Treasure Valley

Multi-specialty group with dental services across the Boise metro area.

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Family Health Services

FQHC

Employees: 75+

Facilities: 8 locations

Location: Twin Falls region

Community health center serving South Central Idaho's Magic Valley.

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Heritage Health

FQHC

Employees: 50+

Facilities: 5 locations

Location: North Idaho

Community health center serving Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho.

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Mountain View Hospital Dental

Health System

Employees: 40+

Facilities: 2 locations

Location: Idaho Falls

Regional hospital system with dental services in Eastern Idaho.

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Private Practice Network

Various

Employees: 1,800+

Facilities: 950+ practices

Location: Statewide

Diverse private practices across Idaho from Boise to rural communities.

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Idaho Dental Assistant Success Stories

AS

Amanda S.

Boise • Terry Reilly

"Community health work is rewarding. Great benefits and loan repayment options!"

2024-11

TR

Tyler R.

Coeur d'Alene • Private Practice

"North Idaho lifestyle is amazing. Competitive pay with outdoor recreation everywhere."

2024-10

MK

Michelle K.

Idaho Falls • Mountain View Hospital

"Eastern Idaho is growing fast. Steady work with great community feel."

2024-09

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho dental assistants earn an average of $42,710 annually ($20.53/hour). Entry-level positions start at $34,500-$39,000, while experienced DAs earn $45,500-$52,000. Boise metro offers highest wages at $41,000-$48,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.

Yes, Idaho requires dental assistants to register with the State Board of Dentistry. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. EFDA credentials require additional approved training and state examination.

EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Idaho registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification (DANB RHS exam). The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from start to employment.

Strong outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Idaho ranks among America's fastest-growing states, with Boise metro expansion driving dental service demand. The state's 1,150 dental practices and growing population create consistent employment opportunities.

Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Idaho Board registration fee, DANB RHS exam ($250), and any optional certifications when ready. Many Idaho employers—especially community health centers—reimburse certification costs.

Boise metro leads with $41,000-$48,000 as the state's population and economic hub. Coeur d'Alene offers $40,000-$47,000, influenced by Spokane, WA market spillover. Idaho Falls averages $39,000-$45,000 with Idaho National Laboratory creating professional population.

Idaho offers: (1) Rapidly growing population creating job opportunities, (2) Lower cost of living than neighboring states, (3) Strong community health center presence for underserved area work, (4) Outdoor recreation lifestyle, (5) Four-season climate with affordable housing.

Idaho community health centers like Terry Reilly Health Services, Family Health Services, and Heritage Health may qualify for NHSC loan repayment programs. Rural and underserved area positions often offer additional incentives to attract healthcare workers.

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Idaho Dental Assistant Market Overview

Idaho's dental workforce serves approximately 1.9 million residents through an estimated 1,150 dental practices. The Boise-Nampa-Meridian metro area contains the majority of dental employment, though opportunities exist across the state from North Idaho's lakeside communities to the agricultural Magic Valley.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Idaho employed approximately 3,200 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $42,710. Idaho's lower cost of living compared to neighboring Washington and Oregon provides solid purchasing power despite wages below the national median.

Idaho ranks among America's fastest-growing states, with Boise metro experiencing particularly rapid expansion. This population growth drives increased demand for dental services and creates steady employment opportunities for dental assistants.

Community health centers play significant roles in Idaho's dental landscape. Terry Reilly Health Services operates 15 locations across Southwest Idaho, while Family Health Services and Heritage Health serve rural and underserved areas with potential loan repayment benefits.

Idaho State University's dental hygiene program in Pocatello operates teaching clinics that employ dental assistants and provide clinical education opportunities. The program supports Southeast Idaho's oral health workforce development.

North Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls) benefits from proximity to Spokane, Washington, creating regional labor market dynamics. Some dental assistants commute across state lines, and wages in North Idaho reflect competition with the larger Spokane market.

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