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Dental Assistant Schools in Iowa

8 accredited Dental programs in IA

8

Schools in IA

$44,820

Avg. Salary

9-12 months

Program Length

8

Cities

Dental Assistant Schools in Iowa

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023

Des Moines Area Community College offers a dental assistant program designed for students seeking entry-level positions in dental offices. The curriculum prepares graduates for certification exams and teaches clinical and administrative dental skills. Completing this program opens pathways to working alongside dentists and hygienists in patient care settings.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (48)

$9,685

2 years

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Scott Community College

500 Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722

Scott Community College's dental assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices within approximately nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers patient care, chairside procedures, and office management fundamentals. Graduates are positioned to pursue CDA or RDA certification and enter the growing dental healthcare field.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (58)

$5,512

1 year

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Hawkeye Community College

1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701

Hawkeye Community College's Dental Assistant program prepares students for entry-level roles in dental offices and clinics through classroom instruction and clinical practice. The curriculum aligns with certification pathways like the CDA and DANB exam, making it ideal for those seeking quick entry into the dental field. Graduates are equipped to assist dentists with patient care, chairside procedures, and office operations.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (62)

$6,308

12 months

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Iowa Central Community College

One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Iowa Central Community College's Dental Assistant program prepares students for entry-level roles in dental offices and clinics within nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers patient care, chairside assistance, and administrative dental tasks, preparing graduates for certification exams like the CDA and RDA. This program suits individuals seeking a quick pathway into healthcare with hands-on clinical training.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (32)

$5,496

1 year

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Iowa Western Community College

2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Iowa Western Community College's dental assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices within about a year. The curriculum covers patient care, radiography, and chairside assistance, readying graduates for certification exams like the CDA. This program suits candidates seeking hands-on healthcare work with direct patient interaction.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (31)

$7,050

11 months

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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Kirkwood Community College's dental assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices through hands-on training. The curriculum covers patient care, sterilization, radiography, and chairside assistance. Graduates are positioned to pursue CDA or RDA certification and enter the dental field within approximately nine to twelve months.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (53)

$6,630

1 year

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Northeast Iowa Community College

1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA 52132-0400

Northeast Iowa Community College's Dental Assistant program prepares students for entry-level roles in dental offices within about a year. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice to build skills in patient care, sterilization, and chairside assistance. Graduates are ready to pursue CDA or RDA certification and work directly with dentists and hygienists.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (22)

$8,616

1 year

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Western Iowa Tech Community College

4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106

Western Iowa Tech Community College's Dental Assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in dental offices within about nine to twelve months. The curriculum covers patient care, radiography, instrument sterilization, and chairside support. Graduates are positioned to pursue CDA certification and enter the dental field across the region.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (32)

$7,668

1 year

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Dental Assistant Training in Iowa

Iowa offers excellent opportunities for aspiring dental assistants. With 8 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average dental assistant in Iowa earns around $44,820 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 8% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Dental programs in IA take 9-12 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as CDA, RDA, DANB Certification, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Dental Training

Dental Assistant programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like CDA and RDA that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.