Dental Assistant Schools in Fort Dodge, Iowa

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, Iowa

#1

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 1.9 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

#2

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA 62.5 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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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA 73.5 miles away

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.

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

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA 94.1 miles away

Hawkeye Community College is a Public, 2-year in Waterloo, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 110.6 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

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN 113.4 miles away

Minnesota State University-Mankato is a Public, 4-year in Mankato, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

South Central College

North Mankato, MN 115.1 miles away

South Central College is a Public, 2-year in North Mankato, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#8

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA 119.1 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

#9

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE 125.3 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

#10

Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, IA 125.5 miles away

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

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Fort Dodge

There are 10 schools within 126 miles of Fort Dodge.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Iowa Central Community College1.9 mi$5,376N/APublic, 2-year
Des Moines Area Community College62.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Marshalltown Community College73.5 mi$5,304N/APublic, 2-year
Hawkeye Community College94.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College110.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Minnesota State University-Mankato113.4 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
South Central College115.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Iowa Western Community College119.1 mi$6,780N/APublic, 2-year
Metropolitan Community College Area125.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Northeast Iowa Community College125.5 miN/AN/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 Fort Dodge?

There are 42 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Fort Dodge. The closest is Iowa Central Community College, approximately 1.9 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 Fort Dodge?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Fort Dodge ranges from $4,872 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.