Dental Assistant Schools in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Cape Girardeau, Missouri 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 Cape Girardeau, Missouri

#1

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL 33.3 miles away

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a Public, 4-year in Carbondale, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#2

John A Logan College

Carterville, IL 39.7 miles away

John A Logan College is a Public, 2-year in Carterville, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#3

West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, KY 52.7 miles away

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Paducah, KY. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KY.

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#4

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest

Newbern, TN 84 miles away

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest is a Public, 2-year in Newbern, TN serving about 681 students and accredited by Council on Occupational Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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#5

Kaskaskia College

Centralia, IL 88.7 miles away

Kaskaskia College is a Public, 2-year in Centralia, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#6

Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville, AR 99.5 miles away

Arkansas Northeastern College is a Public, 2-year in Blytheville, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.

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#7

Saint Louis Community College

Bridgeton, MO 110 miles away

Saint Louis Community College is a Public, 4-year in Bridgeton, MO serving about 11,174 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $3,660
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,990
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#8

Midwest Institute

Earth City, MO 112.2 miles away

Midwest Institute is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Earth City, MO. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.

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#9

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN 117.9 miles away

University of Southern Indiana is a Public, 4-year in Evansville, IN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IN.

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#10

Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, IL 118.4 miles away

Lewis and Clark Community College is a Public, 2-year in Godfrey, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Cape Girardeau

There are 10 schools within 118 miles of Cape Girardeau.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale33.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
John A Logan College39.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
West Kentucky Community and Technical College52.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest84 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Kaskaskia College88.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Arkansas Northeastern College99.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Saint Louis Community College110 mi$3,660N/APublic, 4-year
Midwest Institute112.2 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
University of Southern Indiana117.9 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Lewis and Clark Community College118.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Missouri

Entry-level dental assistants in Missouri earn around $35,210 per year. The median salary is $45,220, which is 4.4% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $57,770 per year.

Missouri vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricMissouriNational
Median salary$45,220$47,300
Average salary$45,390$48,860
25th percentile$37,580$39,520
75th percentile$49,770$56,910
90th percentile$57,770$61,780

Missouri employs approximately 7,380 dental assistants (2.5 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.04).

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 Missouri, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.04), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Missouri is $45,220. Wages range from $35,210 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $57,770 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Cape Girardeau?

There are 48 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Cape Girardeau. The closest is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 33.3 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 Cape Girardeau?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Cape Girardeau ranges from $3,660 to $13,930. 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 Missouri?

Demand for dental assistants in Missouri is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.04. The state employs 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.