Dental Assistant Schools in Portland, Maine

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine

#1

University of New England

Biddeford, ME 16.2 miles away

University of New England is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Biddeford, ME. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across ME.

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#2

University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, ME 51.3 miles away

University of Maine at Augusta is a Public, 4-year in Augusta, ME. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across ME.

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#3

NHTI-Concord's Community College

Concord, NH 70.6 miles away

NHTI-Concord's Community College is a Public, 2-year in Concord, NH serving about 2,186 students and accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NH.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $7,200
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,450
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#4

Northern Essex Community College

Haverhill, MA 72.3 miles away

Northern Essex Community College is a Public, 2-year in Haverhill, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#5

Middlesex Community College

Bedford, MA 94.4 miles away

Middlesex Community College is a Public, 2-year in Bedford, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#6

Lincoln Technical Institute-Somerville

Somerville, MA 97.9 miles away

Lincoln Technical Institute-Somerville is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Somerville, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#7

MCPHS University

Boston, MA 101.7 miles away

MCPHS University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Boston, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#8

Regis College

Weston, MA 105.6 miles away

Regis College is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Weston, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#9

Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, MA 114.2 miles away

Mount Wachusett Community College is a Public, 2-year in Gardner, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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#10

Massasoit Community College

Brockton, MA 116.4 miles away

Massasoit Community College is a Public, 2-year in Brockton, MA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MA.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Portland

There are 10 schools within 116 miles of Portland.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
University of New England16.2 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
University of Maine at Augusta51.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
NHTI-Concord's Community College70.6 mi$7,200N/APublic, 2-year
Northern Essex Community College72.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Middlesex Community College94.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Lincoln Technical Institute-Somerville97.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
MCPHS University101.7 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Regis College105.6 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Mount Wachusett Community College114.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Massasoit Community College116.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Maine

Entry-level dental assistants in Maine earn around $40,830 per year. The median salary is $51,340, which is 8.5% above the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $63,190 per year.

Maine vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricMaineNational
Median salary$51,340$47,300
Average salary$54,190$48,860
25th percentile$47,620$39,520
75th percentile$60,150$56,910
90th percentile$63,190$61,780

Maine employs approximately 1,450 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 Maine, 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 Maine?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Maine is $51,340. Wages range from $40,830 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $63,190 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Portland?

There are 29 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Portland. The closest is University of New England, approximately 16.2 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 Portland?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Portland ranges from $5,520 to $7,200. 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 Maine?

Demand for dental assistants in Maine 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.