Launch your dental career with free online training. Kentucky dental assistants earn $45,720+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$45,720/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
2,600+
Population 65+
17.8
Training Cost
FREE
Bluegrass State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 2,600+ dental practices and a population where 17.8 are over 65.
Kentucky dental assistants earn $45,720 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $48,500 - $55,500.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Kentucky.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Kentucky requires dental assistants to be credentialed by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. Kentucky offers three DA credential levels: Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant II (expanded functions), and Dental Assistant III (additional expanded functions). Each level requires specific training and examination.
Kentucky requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course (minimum 7 hours) and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or Kentucky state exam. Radiography certification is required to expose dental X-rays.
Largest market, UofL dental school
UK proximity, Central Kentucky hub
Greater Cincinnati market access
South-central Kentucky, WKU presence
Western Kentucky hub
Kentucky offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 300+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 501 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40202
Kentucky's only dental school with comprehensive clinical programs.
View Careers →Employees: 500+
Facilities: 25+ locations
Location: Multiple KY locations
National DSO with strong Kentucky presence offering career development.
View Careers →Employees: 400+
Facilities: 20+ locations
Location: Multiple KY locations
Doctor-led DSO with growing Kentucky footprint.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: 8 dental locations
Location: Louisville metro
Community health center serving Louisville's diverse communities.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: West Louisville
Community health center serving West Louisville neighborhoods.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 10 locations
Location: Eastern Kentucky
Community health center serving Appalachian Eastern Kentucky.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: Central Kentucky
Community health center serving Central Kentucky communities.
View Careers →Employees: 4,000+
Facilities: 2,200+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices from Louisville and Lexington to rural Appalachia.
View Careers →Rachel M.
Louisville • UofL Dental
"Dental school employment means excellent benefits and exposure to all specialties."
2024-11
Chris B.
Florence • Private Practice
"Northern Kentucky gives me Cincinnati market wages with Kentucky cost of living. Best of both worlds!"
2024-10
Ashley T.
Pikeville • Big Sandy Health Care
"Serving my home community in Eastern Kentucky is meaningful. Loan repayment helps too."
2024-09
Kentucky dental assistants earn an average of $45,720 annually ($21.98/hour). Entry-level positions start at $36,500-$41,500, while experienced DAs earn $48,500-$55,500. Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati metro) offers highest wages at $44,000-$52,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Kentucky offers three DA credential levels: Dental Assistant (DA) for basic duties, Dental Assistant II (DA-II) for expanded functions like coronal polishing and sealants, and Dental Assistant III (DA-III) for additional functions. Each level requires specific Board-approved training.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Kentucky credentialing requires proof of training plus radiography certification. DA-II and DA-III credentials require additional approved training. Most students achieve basic DA credential in 2-3 months.
Positive outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Kentucky's 4.5 million population, 2,600 dental practices, and UofL dental school create steady demand. Community health centers in Appalachian regions offer additional opportunities with loan repayment potential.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Kentucky Board credential fee ($35), radiography certification, and any optional certifications. Many Kentucky employers reimburse certification costs for new hires.
Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence, Newport) leads with $44,000-$52,000 as part of greater Cincinnati market. Louisville metro offers $43,000-$51,000 near UofL dental school. Lexington averages $42,000-$49,000 in Central Kentucky's hub.
Kentucky offers: (1) UofL dental school creating academic employment, (2) Northern KY access to Cincinnati job market, (3) Strong community health center presence in Appalachia, (4) Tiered credential system allowing career progression, (5) Lower cost of living with competitive wages.
Yes! Eastern Kentucky faces significant dental provider shortages. Community health centers like Big Sandy Health Care serve Appalachian communities with dental services. These positions often offer loan repayment eligibility and meaningful community impact.
Join thousands of Kentucky residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredKentucky's dental workforce serves approximately 4.5 million residents through an estimated 2,600 dental practices. Louisville and Lexington contain the largest concentration of dental employment, with Northern Kentucky accessing the greater Cincinnati market.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Kentucky employed approximately 7,200 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $45,720. Kentucky's moderate cost of living provides solid purchasing power despite wages slightly below the national median.
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is Kentucky's only dental school. Established in 1887, UofL trains approximately 120 dentists annually and creates significant clinical education employment opportunities for dental assistants in academic settings.
Kentucky's tiered credential system (DA, DA-II, DA-III) creates clear career progression pathways. Dental assistants can advance through additional training and examination, taking on expanded functions and increasing earning potential at each level.
Northern Kentucky's position in the greater Cincinnati metro creates unique dynamics. Dental assistants living in Boone, Kenton, or Campbell counties can access Ohio job opportunities while enjoying Kentucky's lower cost of living and different regulatory environment.
Eastern Kentucky's Appalachian communities face significant dental health disparities and provider shortages. Community health centers like Big Sandy Health Care provide dental services with potential NHSC loan repayment eligibility for those committed to serving underserved populations.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.