Launch your dental career with free online training. New Mexico dental assistants earn $43,950+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$43,950/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
1,100+
Population 65+
18.8
Training Cost
FREE
Land of Enchantment offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 1,100+ dental practices and a population where 18.8 are over 65.
New Mexico dental assistants earn $43,950 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $46,500 - $53,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across New Mexico.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
New Mexico requires dental assistants to register with the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. New Mexico offers Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) credentials for additional clinical procedures through approved training.
New Mexico requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or New Mexico state exam. Radiography certification is part of DA registration and must be renewed with continuing education.
Largest market, UNM presence
State capital, affluent arts community
Southern NM hub, NMSU presence
Growing Albuquerque suburb
Four Corners region, tribal proximity
New Mexico offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 150+
Facilities: Dental clinics
Location: Albuquerque
UNM Health Sciences dental programs serving New Mexico communities.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 10+ locations
Location: Multiple NM locations
National DSO with New Mexico presence offering career development.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 8 locations
Location: Albuquerque area
Major community health center serving Albuquerque's diverse populations.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 7 locations
Location: Southern New Mexico
Community health center serving Las Cruces and Southern NM.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 4 locations
Location: Southwest NM
Community health center serving Silver City and rural SW New Mexico.
View Careers →Employees: 500+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Northwest NM
Federal dental services for Navajo Nation communities.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Albuquerque area
Major New Mexico health system with dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 1,600+
Facilities: 900+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices from Albuquerque to rural New Mexico.
View Careers →Maria G.
Albuquerque • First Choice CHC
"Community health work serves our diverse NM families. Spanish language skills valued here!"
2024-11
Daniel T.
Santa Fe • Private Practice
"Santa Fe's arts community appreciates quality care. Beautiful place to build a career."
2024-10
Jennifer R.
Farmington • Indian Health Service
"IHS employment means federal benefits and serving Native communities. Very rewarding work."
2024-09
New Mexico dental assistants earn an average of $43,950 annually ($21.13/hour). Entry-level positions start at $35,500-$40,000, while experienced DAs earn $46,500-$53,000. Santa Fe pays highest at $43,000-$51,000 serving affluent community. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, New Mexico requires dental assistants to register with the Board of Dental Health Care. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. EFDA credentials require additional approved training for expanded functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. New Mexico registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification. The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from enrollment to employment.
Positive outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. New Mexico's 2.1 million population, 1,100 dental practices, and significant Indian Health Service presence create diverse opportunities. Community health centers serve large underserved populations.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for New Mexico registration fee, radiography certification exam, and any optional certifications when ready. Many NM employers—especially IHS and FQHCs—reimburse certification costs.
Santa Fe leads with $43,000-$51,000 serving affluent arts community and state government. Albuquerque offers $42,000-$49,000 as state's largest market. Rio Rancho provides $41,000-$48,000 in growing suburb. IHS positions often include federal benefits.
New Mexico offers: (1) Significant Indian Health Service employment with federal benefits, (2) Strong FQHC presence serving diverse populations, (3) Tricultural environment (Anglo, Hispanic, Native American), (4) Lower cost of living, (5) Unique Southwestern lifestyle with outdoor recreation.
Yes! IHS operates extensive dental facilities throughout New Mexico, particularly in the Navajo Area. These federal positions offer competitive wages, federal benefits, loan repayment programs, and meaningful service to Native American communities.
Join thousands of New Mexico residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredNew Mexico's dental workforce serves approximately 2.1 million residents through an estimated 1,100 dental practices. Albuquerque contains the majority of dental employment, with additional markets in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and regional centers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports New Mexico employed approximately 3,400 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $43,950. New Mexico's lower cost of living provides competitive purchasing power despite wages below the national median.
New Mexico lacks a dental school, though UNM Health Sciences operates dental clinics and training programs. The state relies on dental professionals from regional schools and those relocating from other states.
Indian Health Service represents a significant dental employer in New Mexico, operating facilities throughout the Navajo Nation and Pueblo communities. These federal positions offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and loan repayment programs for qualifying positions.
New Mexico's tricultural population—Anglo, Hispanic, and Native American—creates unique practice environments. Dental assistants with Spanish language skills and cultural competency find enhanced employment opportunities throughout the state.
Community health centers including First Choice Community Healthcare in Albuquerque and La Clinica de Familia in Las Cruces serve large underserved populations with potential loan repayment benefits and diverse clinical experiences.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.