Dental Assistant programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.
Dental assistant Schools Near Fort Smith, Arkansas
#1
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
📍
Fort Smith, AR
•2.4 miles away
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a Public, 4-year in Fort Smith, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a Public, 2-year in Bentonville, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.
Miller-Motte College-Tulsa is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Tulsa, OK serving about 283 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across OK.
Franklin Technology Center Adult Education is a Public, <2-year in Joplin, MO. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a Public, 4-year in Little Rock, AR serving about 1,361 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College is a Public, 2-year in North Little Rock, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.
Entry-level dental assistants in Arkansas earn around
$32,930 per year.
The median salary is $37,680, which is 20.3% below the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $47,230 per year.
Arkansas vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
Arkansas
National
Median salary
$37,680
$47,300
Average salary
$40,730
$48,860
25th percentile
$35,670
$39,520
75th percentile
$44,860
$56,910
90th percentile
$47,230
$61,780
Arkansas employs approximately 3,020 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.96).
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow
6.4% from 2024 to 2034,
faster than the average for all occupations.
This represents a change from 381,900 to
406,300 jobs nationwide.
About 52,900 openings are projected each year
on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring,
or leaving the labor force.
In Arkansas, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.96), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Arkansas is $37,680. Wages range from $32,930 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $47,230 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Fort Smith?
There are 43 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Fort Smith. The closest is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, approximately 2.4 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.
What is the job outlook for dental assistants?
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034. About 52,900 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.
What does dental assistant training cost near Fort Smith?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Fort Smith ranges from $4,104 to $19,341. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.
Is a dental assistant in demand in Arkansas?
Demand for dental assistants in Arkansas is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.96. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
