Launch your dental career with free online training. Maine dental assistants earn $54,190+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$54,190/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
900+
Population 65+
22.0
Training Cost
FREE
Pine Tree State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 900+ dental practices and a population where 22.0 are over 65.
Maine dental assistants earn $54,190 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $57,000 - $65,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Maine.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Maine requires dental assistants to register with the Maine Board of Dental Practice. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Maine offers Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) and Dental Radiographer credentials for expanded clinical duties.
Maine requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course (minimum 7 hours) and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Separate Dental Radiographer credential is required to expose X-rays independently. Certification must be renewed with continuing education.
Largest market, Southern Maine hub
Central Maine, manufacturing heritage
Eastern Maine, University presence
State capital, government employees
Rural premium, underserved area incentives
Maine offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 400+
Facilities: 10 hospital dental clinics
Location: Throughout Maine
Maine's largest health system with dental services across Northern and Eastern Maine.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: Multiple dental locations
Location: Southern and Central Maine
Southern Maine's largest health system with integrated dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 6 locations
Location: Greater Bangor area
Community health center serving Penobscot County and surrounding region.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: Eastern Maine
Community health center serving Eastern Maine's rural communities.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 11 locations
Location: Central and Western Maine
Community health center network serving rural Maine communities.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 2 locations
Location: Portland
Community health center serving Greater Portland's diverse populations.
View Careers →Employees: 50+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Midcoast Maine
Regional dental group serving Brunswick, Bath, and surrounding communities.
View Careers →Employees: 1,400+
Facilities: 750+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices from Portland to rural Northern Maine.
View Careers →Sarah W.
Portland • MaineHealth
"Portland offers urban amenities with Maine's natural beauty nearby. Great career market!"
2024-11
Jason M.
Bangor • Northern Light Health
"Eastern Maine lifestyle is wonderful. Health system provides stability and excellent benefits."
2024-10
Emily K.
Aroostook County • HealthReach
"Rural Maine practice pays well and the community integration is meaningful. Loan repayment helps too!"
2024-09
Maine dental assistants earn an average of $54,190 annually ($26.05/hour)—well above the national median. Entry-level positions start at $43,500-$49,000, while experienced DAs earn $57,000-$65,000. Rural Northern Maine pays premiums up to $58,000 to attract workers. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Maine requires dental assistants to register with the Board of Dental Practice. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Separate Dental Radiographer credential is required for X-ray duties. EFDA credentials allow expanded functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Maine registration requires proof of training. Dental Radiographer credential requires 7-hour approved course plus DANB RHS exam. Most students are job-ready in 2-3 months.
Positive outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Maine's 22% population over 65 (highest percentage nationally) creates significant demand for dental services. Rural provider shortages mean opportunities throughout the state, often with premium pay.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Maine Board registration, radiographer credential exam, and any optional certifications when ready. Many Maine employers—especially in rural areas—reimburse certification costs and offer signing bonuses.
Rural Northern Maine and Aroostook County often pay premiums ($50,000-$58,000) to attract workers to underserved areas. Portland metro offers $52,000-$62,000 as Maine's largest dental market. Bangor region provides $47,000-$54,000 in Eastern Maine.
Maine offers: (1) Highest wages regionally and above national median, (2) Oldest population (22% over 65) creating consistent demand, (3) Rural positions with premium pay and lifestyle benefits, (4) Strong community health center presence, (5) Four-season outdoor lifestyle.
Yes! Maine's rural provider shortages lead many employers to offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and loan repayment partnerships. Community health centers may qualify for NHSC loan repayment. Northern Light Health and MaineHealth often provide recruitment incentives.
Join thousands of Maine residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredMaine's dental workforce serves approximately 1.4 million residents through an estimated 900 dental practices. Southern Maine (Portland, Lewiston-Auburn) contains the largest concentration of dental employment, though opportunities—often with premium pay—exist throughout the state.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Maine employed approximately 2,900 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $54,190—significantly above the national median. Maine's strong wages reflect workforce shortages and recruitment challenges.
Maine has the nation's oldest population—22% over age 65—creating substantial demand for dental services, particularly restorative, prosthetic, and geriatric care. This demographic reality drives consistent employment demand for dental assistants statewide.
Maine lacks a dental school, though the University of New England operates dental hygiene programs. Dental assistants seeking academic settings can find opportunities at UNE and community college dental programs throughout the state.
Major health systems—Northern Light Health (Eastern/Northern Maine) and MaineHealth (Southern/Central Maine)—operate dental services throughout their networks. These organizations provide structured employment with benefits and career advancement within integrated health systems.
Maine's federally qualified health centers—including Penobscot CHC, HealthReach, and others—serve rural and underserved populations. These employers offer mission-driven work with potential NHSC loan repayment eligibility, often combined with premium wages and signing bonuses to attract workers to rural areas.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.