Dental Assistant Schools in Decatur, Illinois

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Decatur, Illinois 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 Decatur, Illinois

#1

Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois

Springfield, IL 35.1 miles away

Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Springfield, IL serving about 1,128 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Parkland College

Champaign, IL 39 miles away

Parkland College is a Public, 2-year in Champaign, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#3

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL 42.1 miles away

Lake Land College is a Public, 2-year in Mattoon, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#4

Heartland Community College

Normal, IL 47 miles away

Heartland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Normal, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#5

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, IL 66.5 miles away

Illinois Central College is a Public, 2-year in East Peoria, IL serving about 4,909 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,650
  • Out-of-state tuition: $11,700
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#6

Kaskaskia College

Centralia, IL 90.4 miles away

Kaskaskia College is a Public, 2-year in Centralia, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#7

Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, IL 91.7 miles away

Lewis and Clark Community College is a Public, 2-year in Godfrey, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#8

Illinois Valley Community College

Oglesby, IL 100.5 miles away

Illinois Valley Community College is a Public, 2-year in Oglesby, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#9

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL 109.8 miles away

Carl Sandburg College is a Public, 2-year in Galesburg, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#10

Midwest Institute

Earth City, MO 111 miles away

Midwest Institute is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Earth City, MO. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Decatur

There are 10 schools within 111 miles of Decatur.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois35.1 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Parkland College39 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Lake Land College42.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Heartland Community College47 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Illinois Central College66.5 mi$4,650N/APublic, 2-year
Kaskaskia College90.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Lewis and Clark Community College91.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Illinois Valley Community College100.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Carl Sandburg College109.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Midwest Institute111 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois

Entry-level dental assistants in Illinois earn around $33,510 per year. The median salary is $47,430, which is 0.3% above the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $58,620 per year.

Illinois vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricIllinoisNational
Median salary$47,430$47,300
Average salary$47,170$48,860
25th percentile$38,540$39,520
75th percentile$55,820$56,910
90th percentile$58,620$61,780

Illinois employs approximately 15,620 dental assistants (2.6 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.06).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Dental Assistant Job Outlook

6.4% growth (2024–2034)

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 Illinois, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.06), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Illinois is $47,430. Wages range from $33,510 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $58,620 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Decatur?

There are 67 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Decatur. The closest is Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois, approximately 35.1 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 Decatur?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Decatur ranges from $3,660 to $16,699. 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 Illinois?

Demand for dental assistants in Illinois is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.06. The state employs 2.6 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.