How much do dental assistants make in California?
California dental assistants earn $50,110 at the median, ranking 14th among states, with the middle half between $46,270 and $60,670.[oews_asst] The top of the California range stands out: the 90th percentile, $73,700, is $11,450 above the national 90th percentile, while the 10th percentile is only $1,660 above.
| Percentile | California | Hourly (CA) | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,790 | $18.65 | $37,130 |
| 25th | $46,270 | $22.25 | $44,340 |
| 50th (median) | $50,110 | $24.09 | $48,070 |
| 75th | $60,670 | $29.17 | $58,090 |
| 90th | $73,700 | $35.43 | $62,250 |
BLS does not split dental assistants by license level. In California, though, the job title covers three different credentials, and the wide top of the range is consistent with registered and extended-function assistants earning more than unlicensed ones.
California dental assistant requirements (unlicensed DA)
An unlicensed dental assistant in California can be hired without a license but must complete three requirements set by the Dental Board of California:[dbc_news]
- 8-hour infection control course (board-approved), before performing any basic supportive procedures that involve possible exposure to blood, saliva or other infectious material.
- 2-hour California Dental Practice Act course, within one year of the first day of employment.
- Basic life support (BLS) certification, also within one year.
The employer is responsible for making sure these are done. An unlicensed assistant who takes x-rays also needs a board-approved radiation safety course.[dbc_aux]
How to become an RDA in California
A registered dental assistant (RDA) license from the Dental Board of California lets an assistant perform more duties. Applicants qualify through one of several routes and then pass the RDA combined written and law and ethics exam at PSI; scores are reported pass/fail.[dbc_rda][dbc_rda_faq]
| Route | What it takes |
|---|---|
| Board-approved RDA program | Graduate from an approved program |
| Work experience | 15 months (1,280 hours) as a dental assistant, verified on form RDA1 |
| Education + experience | Non-approved education plus work experience totaling 15 months / 1,280 hours |
| DANB certification | Current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential |
| Alternative program | 500 hours didactic and lab + 300 hours clinical |
| Course | Length | Completed within |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation safety | 32 hours | 10 years |
| Coronal polishing | 12 hours | 5 years |
| Pit and fissure sealants | 16 hours | 5 years |
| California Dental Practice Act | 2 hours | 2 years |
| Infection control | 8 hours | 2 years |
The RDA application fee is $120, and applicants also need BLS certification and fingerprints; the board says processing takes up to 30 days.[dbc_rda] DANB’s CDA, one of the qualifying routes, costs $450 in 2026 and has three parts.[danb_cda]
RDAEF: the extended-functions license
A registered dental assistant in extended functions (RDAEF) is the highest assisting license in California. It requires a current RDA license, a board-approved extended-functions program, a pit and fissure sealant course, BLS, fingerprints and a written exam, with a $120 application fee.[dbc_rdaef]
California assistant vs hygienist
In California the hygienist median is $124,930, 2.5 times the assistant median.[oews_hyg][oews_asst] See dental hygienist salary California for the RDH license, the national dental assistant salary table, and the hygienist vs assistant comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an RDA make in California?
BLS reports all dental assistants together: $50,110 at the California median and $73,700 at the 90th percentile. RDAs and RDAEFs are a subset, not reported separately.
Do you need a license to be a dental assistant in California?
No, for basic supportive duties. You must complete an 8-hour infection control course first and a Dental Practice Act course and BLS within a year. More duties require the RDA license.
How long does it take to become an RDA in California?
Through work experience, 15 months (1,280 hours) plus the required courses and the exam; through a board-approved program, the length of that program.
How much is the California RDA application?
$120, nonrefundable. The PSI exam fee is separate.
Sources
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025: 31-9091 Dental Assistants
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025: 29-1292 Dental Hygienists (national, state and metro estimates)
- Board Matters newsletter: requirements for unlicensed dental assistants
- Allowable duties of dental auxiliaries: FAQ
- Become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
- RDA examination FAQ
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) 2026 application packet
- Become a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)