Dental Assistant in Arlington, TX

A Career Guide for Dental Assistants in Arlington, Texas

If you’re a dental assistant looking to relocate, Arlington offers a compelling blend of urban opportunity and suburban comfort. Situated in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, this city of approximately 398,423 residents has a dynamic healthcare scene that’s constantly expanding. With a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (just 3.3% above the national average), it's more accessible than Dallas or Fort Worth, yet it offers robust career prospects. The median salary for a dental assistant here is $45,263/year ($21.76/hour), which sits just above the national average of $44,820/year. With 796 jobs available in the metro and a promising 10-year job growth of 7%, Arlington is a solid market to launch or advance your career.

This guide, written from a local perspective, breaks down the financial realities, pinpoints the best employers and neighborhoods, and maps out a clear path for licensure and long-term growth.

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The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

Dental assistant salaries in Arlington are competitive, especially when you consider the local cost of living. Your earning potential will heavily depend on experience, the specialty of the dental practice (e.g., orthodontics, oral surgery, general dentistry), and the type of employer (private practice vs. large corporate group or hospital).

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Arlington market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $39,000	$15.38 - $18.75
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$39,000 - $48,000	$18.75 - $23.08
Senior (8-15 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.08 - $26.44
Expert/Lead DA (15+ years)	$55,000+	$26.44+

Insider Tip: The median salary of $45,263 is a reliable benchmark for a mid-level DA with a few years of experience. Those working in highly specialized fields like oral/maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, or periodontics can often command a premium of 10-20% above the median. For instance, an experienced DA in a busy oral surgery practice at a clinic near Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital might earn closer to the top of the mid-level or senior bracket.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Slightly higher salaries (median ~$47,000) but significantly higher rent and cost of living.
• Fort Worth: Very similar to Arlington in both salary and cost of living, with a comparable job market.
• Austin: Higher salaries (median ~$49,000) but a much more expensive housing market (average 1BR rent is over $1,600).
• Houston: Similar salary range but a larger, more competitive market with higher humidity and sprawl.

Arlington hits a sweet spot: it offers Dallas-Fort Worth area salaries without the premium price tag of living in the core cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $45,263 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $3,772. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Texas state tax (which is 0%), a single filer can expect a take-home pay of roughly $2,950 - $3,100 per month, depending on deductions.

The most significant expense will be rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Arlington costs $1,384/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a dental assistant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,050	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,384	Average for Arlington
Utilities (Elec/Gas)	$150 - $200	Higher in summer due to AC
Internet	$60 - $80	Standard high-speed
Groceries	$300 - $400	Single person
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Highly variable; no state income tax helps
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not covered by employer
Gas/Transport	$150 - $250	Arlington is car-dependent
Misc. & Savings	$300 - $500	Entertainment, personal care, emergency fund

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging on a single median salary. With a $1,384 rent, saving for a down payment is slow. The median home price in Arlington is around $325,000. A 20% down payment is $65,000. On a $3,050 monthly take-home, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $260,000 loan would be roughly $1,700-$1,900/month, which is a high percentage of your income. It's more feasible with a dual-income household or by moving into a senior/lead DA role. Insider Tip: Many local dental offices offer benefits like 401(k) matching, which can accelerate homeownership. Prioritize finding a practice with a good benefits package.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington isn't just about large hospital systems; it has a thriving network of private practices and corporate dental groups. Hiring is steady due to the city's growth and the constant need for dental care.

Here are the major employers for dental assistants in the area:

1. Heartland Dental: This corporate giant manages over 1,500 offices across the US, including several in Arlington (e.g., on Matlock Rd, Little Rd). They often have high turnover, meaning frequent openings. They offer structured training and benefits but can feel corporate.
2. Aspen Dental: Another large chain with a location on I-30 near the Arlington Entertainment District. They focus on general dentistry and often serve patients without insurance. Good for new grads looking to gain experience quickly.
3. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital: While their dental services are more focused on oral surgery and maxillofacial trauma (often through affiliated surgeons), they sometimes hire DAs for their outpatient surgery centers. This is a path to hospital-based experience.
4. Arlington Family & Cosmetic Dentistry / North Arlington Dental: These are examples of established, large private practices. They often seek experienced DAs for a more stable, long-term environment. They value team culture and loyalty.
5. University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) - Fort Worth Campus: A 20-minute drive, but a major employer. Their dental school clinic and associated residency programs (like the oral surgery residency) hire DAs to support students and residents. This is a fantastic place for learning and specialization.
6. Children's Health (Plano/New locations): While not in Arlington proper, their new pediatric specialty clinics in the broader metro area often seek DAs with pediatric experience or a willingness to specialize. The commute from Arlington is manageable.
7. Teledentistry & Mobile Dentistry: A growing trend. Companies like "Homerun Smile" or "Mobile Dental Services" operate in the DFW area and hire DAs for mobile clinic roles, offering a different pace and direct patient interaction.

Hiring Trends: There's a consistent demand for DAs who are EFDA-certified (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) in Texas. This certification allows you to perform specific clinical tasks (like placing composite fillings under a dentist's supervision), making you far more valuable. Many employers in Arlington, especially busy corporate practices, actively seek or help train for this.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory licensure process. You cannot legally perform clinical dental assisting duties without a license from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

1. Complete a CODA-Accredited Program: You must graduate from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This can be a 9-12 month certificate program or a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. In Arlington, programs are available at:

   • Tarrant County College (TCC): Their South Campus (in Mansfield, just south of Arlington) offers an excellent, affordable AAS in Dental Assisting. This is a local favorite.
   • Carrington College (Dallas Campus): A private, accelerated program.
   • Lincoln College of Technology (Grand Prairie): Another private option.

2. Pass the Required Exams:

   • National Entry-Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Exam: Administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This is the gateway to licensure.
   • Infection Control Exam (ICE): Also part of DANB.
   • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam: Required if you'll be taking X-rays (which is almost every DA job).

3. Submit Application to TSBDE: You'll apply online, pay the fees (approx. $185 for the initial license), and submit proof of graduation and exam scores.

4. Timeline & Cost: From starting a program to receiving your license, expect 12-18 months. Total cost (program tuition, exams, application fees) can range from $10,000 for a community college certificate to $25,000+ for a private school Associate's degree.

Insider Tip: Many Arlington dental offices will hire you as a "Dental Assistant Trainee" while you're in school, allowing you to work under supervision to complete your clinical requirements. It's a great way to earn and learn simultaneously.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Assistants

Arlington is a sprawling city, so your choice of neighborhood will significantly impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four excellent options for DAs:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
East Arlington (I-20 Corridor)	Family-friendly, close to Texas Health Arlington Memorial, and major employers like Heartland Dental. Easy access to I-20 and I-30.	$1,250 - $1,450	Professionals seeking a shorter commute to hospitals and corporate dental offices.
South Arlington (Mansfield/S. Collins St)	More suburban, closer to Tarrant County College South and newer developments. Slightly more residential feel.	$1,200 - $1,400	Those who prioritize affordability, proximity to TCC, and don't mind a 10-15 minute commute to the city center.
Central Arlington (Near UTA)	Vibrant, more urban feel, close to University of Texas at Arlington and the entertainment district. Walkable areas.	$1,350 - $1,600	Younger DAs who want to be near restaurants, bars, and cultural events. Commute is easy via I-30 or surface streets.
North Arlington (I-30/N. Collins St)	Mix of older and newer homes, close to the Dallas Cowboys/AT&T Stadium area and Six Flags. Good highway access.	$1,300 - $1,500	Those who want a central location with easy access to both Dallas and Fort Worth via I-30.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Arlington is manageable compared to Dallas, but rush hour on I-30 and I-20 can add 15-20 minutes to your commute. If you work at a practice in South Arlington, living in South Arlington or Mansfield is ideal. If you're targeting hospital jobs near Texas Health, East Arlington is your best bet.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 7% is modest but steady, driven by an aging population and increased insurance coverage. To move beyond the median salary, you need a strategic plan.

Specialty Premiums:

• Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery: Often the highest-paid specialty for DAs, especially in hospital-affiliated practices. Premium: 15-25% above median.
• Orthodontics: High demand, especially in a family-heavy market like Arlington. Premium: 10-15%.
• Pediatrics: Requires a specific temperament but offers stable work. Premium: 5-10%.

Advancement Paths:

1. EFDA Certification: As mentioned, this is the single most valuable credential for salary growth in Texas.
2. Lead DA / Office Manager: With 5+ years of experience, you can move into leadership roles, overseeing other assistants and office workflow. This can push your salary into the $55,000 - $65,000 range.
3. Dental Hygienist (DH): This is a major jump. It requires an additional 2-4 years of schooling (Associate's or Bachelor's), but the median salary in Arlington for a DH is significantly higher (~$75,000+). Many DAs use their experience as a springboard to hygiene school.
4. Specialized Certifications: Certifications in dental radiology, coronal polishing, or sealant application make you indispensable.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. Technology like intraoral scanners and 3D printing is becoming more common, so DAs who are tech-savvy and willing to learn new software will have a long-term advantage. Arlington's growth suggests a continued need for general and pediatric dentistry, with stable demand for specialties.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: More affordable than Dallas or Austin.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car; public transit (Via) is limited.
Job Market: Steady demand with 796 jobs and 7% growth.	Salary Ceiling: Median pay is good but doesn't soar like in major metros.
Location: Central in DFW, easy to access airports and big-city amenities.	Summers: Extremely hot and humid, which can affect commuting comfort.
Licensure Clarity: Texas has a clear, well-defined process.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: Many new grads from local programs.
Employer Diversity: Mix of corporate chains, private practices, and hospital affiliates.	Urban Sprawl: The city is large; you must choose your neighborhood carefully.

Final Recommendation: Arlington is an excellent choice for dental assistants who value stability, affordability, and a clear career path. It's particularly ideal for:

• Recent graduates of Tarrant County College or similar programs.
• DAs seeking to specialize in oral surgery or orthodontics.
• Professionals from higher-cost states who want their salary to go further.
• Those who want a suburban lifestyle with easy access to big-city entertainment.

If you're driven, willing to pursue EFDA certification, and choose your employer and neighborhood wisely, you can build a very comfortable life and career here.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed before I apply for jobs in Arlington?
You can be hired as a "Dental Assistant" or "Trainee" without a license, but you will be limited to sterilization, scheduling, and administrative tasks. To perform any clinical duties (taking X-rays, assisting with procedures), you must have a Texas Dental Assistant License (RDA). Most employers prefer or require candidates who are already licensed or are actively enrolled in a CODA-accredited program.

2. How competitive is the job market for new DAs in Arlington?
It's moderately competitive. There are many openings, but there are also several dental assisting programs in the area (TCC, Carrington, etc.) feeding new graduates into the market. Insider Tip: Complete your externship at a local Arlington practice; many hire their externs. Otherwise, be prepared to start in a corporate chain (Heartland, Aspen) to gain the required 1-2 years of experience before moving to a private practice.

3. What is the typical work schedule?
Most private practices operate Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. Corporate chains and hospital-affiliated offices may have extended hours (including evenings and Saturdays). A standard full-time schedule is 35-40 hours per week with weekends off, but be prepared for occasional late or weekend shifts depending on the employer.

4. Is dental assisting a good stepping stone to other careers in Arlington?
Absolutely. The experience is invaluable for moving into dental hygiene (as mentioned), dental office management, or even dental sales. Arlington's large healthcare network means you can pivot to roles in medical assisting or pharmaceutical sales if you decide dentistry isn't your long-term path.

5. What's the one thing I should do before moving to Arlington?
Research the specific dental practices near your potential neighborhood. Don't just look for any job. Identify several offices in your desired area (use Google Maps and search "dentist near me"), visit their websites, and apply directly. Networking on LinkedIn with local dental practice managers can give you a significant edge before you even pack your boxes.