Top Dental Assistant Schools in Ames, Iowa

Updated January 11, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental assistant programs in Ames, Iowa can help you start a career in about two years. Look for schools offering classroom learning, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations with local dental offices.

Iowa Paralegal Salary Snapshot

Iowa
Iowa Median Pay $53,280$25.62 per hour National median: $61,010($29.33/hr)
Employment 2,530BLS OEWS, May 2024

Dental Assistant Schools in Ames

#1

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA 22 miles away

Located in Ankeny, IA Des Moines Area Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA 36.8 miles away

Located in Marshalltown, IA Marshalltown Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and CNC Machinist. The campus serves roughly 868 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,304
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,808
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 43.5 miles away

Located in Fort Dodge, IA Iowa Central Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 3,107 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,376
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,668
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA 71.8 miles away

Located in Waterloo, IA Hawkeye Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA 93.2 miles away

Located in Ottumwa, IA Indian Hills Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 1,635 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,872
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,120
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Certification and Licensing in Iowa

  • Check with the Iowa Board of Dentistry for updated requirements on X-ray and expanded function certification.
  • Track your clinical hours to meet on-the-job experience requirements.
  • Maintain valid CPR/BLS, OSHA, and HIPAA certifications as required by most dental offices.

Questions to Ask Local Schools

  • What percentage of graduates pass certification exams?
  • Do externships or clinical rotations partner with local dental offices?
  • Are flexible class options available for working students?
  • What costs are included in tuition versus separate fees?

Iowa Paralegal Salary & Job Outlook

BLS OEWS, May 2024

Iowa median pay $53,280$25.62 per hour
Employment 2,530

Average pay

$56,060per year $26.95 per hour

Median pay

$53,280per year $25.62 per hour

Next Steps