Dental Assistant programs in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, Iowa
#1
Des Moines Area Community College
📍
Ankeny, IA
•9.3 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.
Marshalltown Community College is a Public, 2-year in Marshalltown, IA serving about 868 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.
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.
Indian Hills Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ottumwa, IA serving about 1,635 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.
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.
Kirkwood Community College is a Public, 2-year in Cedar Rapids, IA serving about 7,438 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.
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.
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
Metric
Iowa
National
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).
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.
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 Des Moines?
There are 47 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Des Moines. The closest is Des Moines Area Community College, approximately 9.3 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 Des Moines?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Des Moines ranges from $4,104 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 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.
