Launch your dental career with free online training. South Dakota dental assistants earn $46,340+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$46,340/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
550+
Population 65+
18.0
Training Cost
FREE
Mount Rushmore State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 550+ dental practices and a population where 18.0 are over 65.
South Dakota dental assistants earn $46,340 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $49,000 - $56,500.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across South Dakota.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
South Dakota requires dental assistants to register with the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. South Dakota offers Expanded Practice Dental Assistant credentials for additional clinical procedures through approved training.
South Dakota requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Radiography certification is part of DA registration requirements and must be renewed with continuing education.
Largest city, Sanford/Avera health systems
Black Hills region, tourism economy
Northeast SD hub
SDSU presence, college town
State capital
South Dakota offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 200+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Throughout SD
Major regional health system with dental services across South Dakota.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Throughout SD
Major South Dakota health system with integrated dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 6 locations
Location: Major SD cities
National DSO with South Dakota presence.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: Network coordination
Location: Statewide
Dental benefits organization supporting SD dental practices.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: Rapid City area
Community health center serving Black Hills region.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 10 locations
Location: Central/Eastern SD
Community health center serving rural South Dakota.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Reservations
Federal dental services for South Dakota's tribal nations.
View Careers →Employees: 800+
Facilities: 450+ practices
Location: Statewide
Private practices from Sioux Falls to rural South Dakota.
View Careers →Sarah K.
Sioux Falls • Sanford Health
"Sanford provides excellent career growth and benefits. No state income tax is a huge bonus!"
2024-11
Michael T.
Rapid City • Community Health Center
"Black Hills community health work serves those who need care most. Beautiful area!"
2024-10
Jennifer R.
Pine Ridge • Indian Health Service
"Serving my community through IHS is meaningful work. Federal benefits are excellent."
2024-09
South Dakota dental assistants earn an average of $46,340 annually ($22.28/hour). Entry-level positions start at $37,500-$42,000, while experienced DAs earn $49,000-$56,500. Sioux Falls pays highest at $44,000-$52,000 with major health systems. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, South Dakota requires dental assistants to register with the State Board of Dentistry. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Expanded Practice credentials require additional training for advanced functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. South Dakota registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification. The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from enrollment to employment.
Stable outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. South Dakota's small population (910,000) and 550 dental practices create a manageable job market. Major health systems (Sanford, Avera) provide stable employment. IHS serves tribal communities.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for South Dakota registration fee, radiography certification exam, and any optional certifications when ready. South Dakota has no state income tax, maximizing take-home pay.
Sioux Falls leads with $44,000-$52,000 as home to Sanford and Avera health systems. Rapid City offers $43,000-$50,000 in the Black Hills. Pierre provides $41,000-$48,000 as state capital. South Dakota has no state income tax!
South Dakota offers: (1) No state income tax boosting take-home pay, (2) Major health systems (Sanford, Avera) providing stability, (3) IHS opportunities serving Native American communities, (4) Low cost of living, (5) Black Hills lifestyle with outdoor recreation.
Yes! IHS operates dental facilities on South Dakota's reservations including Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and others. These federal positions offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and loan repayment programs for those committed to serving Native American communities.
Join thousands of South Dakota residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredSouth Dakota's dental workforce serves approximately 910,000 residents through an estimated 550 dental practices. Sioux Falls dominates dental employment, with additional markets in Rapid City, Aberdeen, and regional centers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports South Dakota employed approximately 1,800 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $46,340—near the national median. South Dakota's lack of state income tax effectively increases net compensation.
South Dakota lacks a dental school, relying on graduates from Minnesota, Nebraska, and other regional schools. This creates workforce recruitment challenges that can translate to competitive wages and signing bonuses.
Major health systems—Sanford Health and Avera Health—dominate South Dakota's healthcare landscape. Both organizations operate dental services throughout their networks, providing structured employment with benefits and career advancement.
Indian Health Service operates dental facilities on South Dakota's reservations, including Pine Ridge (Oglala Lakota) and Rosebud (Sicangu Lakota). These federal positions offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and loan repayment programs.
South Dakota's Black Hills region (Rapid City, Spearfish, Deadwood) offers unique lifestyle benefits with tourism economy support. Mount Rushmore and surrounding attractions create seasonal population increases affecting dental service demand.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.