States with the Highest Demand for Dental Assistants in 2025

Author: Dr. Casey Hart, Dental Careers Institute

I talk to many people who want to know where dental assistants are needed most. It is a smart question, because understanding demand can help you plan your future. In this post I cover the states with the highest need in 2025. I also share what the numbers look like here in Georgia, since many of our students plan to work close to home.

If you have been thinking about a career in dental assisting, I would love to help you take the first step. You can reach my team at 770-973-0496 or visit mydentalcareers.com/contact.

National Outlook in 2025

The dental field continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants in the United States is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034 (Source: BLS). The BLS also reports an average of 52,900 openings per year during that period due to new jobs and the need to replace workers who retire or change careers (Source: BLS).

States with the Highest Demand

Most sources agree that the states below continue to show strong demand in 2025. These states employ large numbers of dental assistants or have fast growth due to population increases and high use of dental services.

1. California

California has the largest number of dental assistants in the country. Its large population and high number of dental practices create steady demand (Source: BLS).

2. Texas

Texas continues to grow rapidly. With that growth comes more dental offices and more need for trained assistants (Source: Beckers Dental).

3. Florida

Florida’s population growth and high percentage of older adults help drive demand for preventive and restorative dental care (Source: Beckers Dental).

4. New York

New York has a very high concentration of dental practices. This supports a large dental assistant workforce and steady replacement needs (Source: Beckers Dental).

5. Illinois

Illinois also ranks among the top states in total dental assistant employment. Much of this demand comes from the Chicago metropolitan region (Source: Beckers Dental).

Georgia’s Demand for Dental Assistants in 2025

Many of our students want to know how Georgia compares to the rest of the country. The outlook is very positive.

Georgia Employment Growth

Georgia is projected to see 11 percent employment growth for dental assistants from 2022 to 2032. This is higher than the national average of 6 percent (Source: Fortis).

Georgia Salary Levels

Dental assistants in Georgia earn an average of about 41,160 dollars per year. Pay varies by city, experience level, and office needs (Source: Direct Dental).

What Is Driving the Growth

Georgia’s population continues to increase, especially around metro Atlanta. As more families move in, the need for dental care rises. This creates strong demand for trained assistants who can support dentists in both clinical and administrative roles (Source: All Allied Health Schools).

What This Means for You

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your future.

• High population states like California, Texas, and Florida offer a wide range of job options.

• Georgia is growing faster than many states. This is good news if you want to stay close to home.

• A strong dental assistant program can prepare you for many types of offices, including general dentistry, pediatric clinics, specialty practices, and more.

• Employers often look for assistants who can step in with confidence on day one. Hands-on training can help you qualify for these roles.

Ready to Get Started

If you feel excited about a future in dental assisting, I would be glad to talk with you. You can reach my team at 770-973-0496 or visit mydentalcareers.com/contact. I am always happy to answer your questions and help you explore the next steps.