Top Dental Assistant Schools in Des Moines, Iowa
Updated January 11, 2026|
Table of Contents
Dental assistant programs in Des Moines, 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 Median Pay
$53,280 $25.62 per hour
National median: $61,010($29.33/hr)
Employment
2,530 BLS OEWS, May 2024
Dental Assistant Schools in Des Moines
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
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Programs Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. Tool and Die Technology/Technician.
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Tool and Die Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Source: IPEDS · Scorecard · ACCSC
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
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Programs Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Tool and Die Technology/Technician. Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Tool and Die Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Tool and Die Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Source: IPEDS · Scorecard · ACCSC
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
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Programs Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. Carpentry/Carpenter.
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Carpentry/Carpenter.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Source: IPEDS · Scorecard · ACCSC
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
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Programs Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Source: IPEDS · Scorecard · ACCSC
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
View more
Programs Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Carpentry/Carpenter. Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Carpentry/Carpenter.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Carpentry/Carpenter.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
Degrees
Contact school for degree options
Online availability
None
Source: IPEDS · Scorecard · ACCSC
Featured Online Programs in Iowa
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 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
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