Dental Assistant Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Council Bluffs, Iowa 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa

#1

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA 4.1 miles away

Iowa Western Community College is a Public, 2-year in Council Bluffs, IA serving about 3,029 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,780
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,930
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE 4.7 miles away

Metropolitan Community College Area is a Public, 2-year in Omaha, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE 6.8 miles away

University of Nebraska Medical Center is a Public, 4-year in Omaha, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE 50.1 miles away

Southeast Community College Area is a Public, 2-year in Lincoln, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 89.5 miles away

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a Public, 2-year in Sioux City, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA 120.5 miles away

Des Moines Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ankeny, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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#7

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD 120.7 miles away

University of South Dakota is a Public, 4-year in Vermillion, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#8

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 121.3 miles away

Iowa Central Community College is a Public, 2-year in Fort Dodge, IA serving about 3,107 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE 133.5 miles away

Central Community College is a Public, 2-year in Grand Island, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, MO 141.9 miles away

North Central Missouri College is a Public, 2-year in Trenton, MO serving about 1,198 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,950
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,250
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Council Bluffs

There are 10 schools within 142 miles of Council Bluffs.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Iowa Western Community College4.1 mi$6,780N/APublic, 2-year
Metropolitan Community College Area4.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of Nebraska Medical Center6.8 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Southeast Community College Area50.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College89.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Des Moines Area Community College120.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of South Dakota120.7 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Iowa Central Community College121.3 mi$5,376N/APublic, 2-year
Central Community College133.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
North Central Missouri College141.9 mi$4,950N/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Iowa

Entry-level dental assistants in Iowa earn around $38,640 per year. The median salary is $47,820, which is 1.1% above the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $59,010 per year.

Iowa vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricIowaNational
Median salary$47,820$47,300
Average salary$49,020$48,860
25th percentile$45,520$39,520
75th percentile$54,680$56,910
90th percentile$59,010$61,780

Iowa employs approximately 3,540 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.93).

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 Iowa, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.93), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Iowa is $47,820. Wages range from $38,640 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,010 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Council Bluffs?

There are 27 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Council Bluffs. The closest is Iowa Western Community College, approximately 4.1 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 Council Bluffs?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Council Bluffs ranges from $4,104 to $6,780. 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 Iowa?

Demand for dental assistants in Iowa is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.93. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.