Dental Assistant Schools in Kearney, Nebraska

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Kearney, Nebraska 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 Kearney, Nebraska

#1

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE 39.5 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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#2

Mid-Plains Community College

North Platte, NE 91.8 miles away

Mid-Plains Community College is a Public, 2-year in North Platte, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

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#3

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE 128.7 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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#4

Colby Community College

Colby, KS 138.6 miles away

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

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#5

Salina Area Technical College

Salina, KS 152.6 miles away

Salina Area Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Salina, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

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#6

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE 166.4 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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#7

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE 168.5 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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#8

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA 176.1 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
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#9

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD 182.3 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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#10

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 187.4 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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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Kearney

There are 10 schools within 187 miles of Kearney.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Central Community College39.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Mid-Plains Community College91.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southeast Community College Area128.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Colby Community College138.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Salina Area Technical College152.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of Nebraska Medical Center166.4 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Metropolitan Community College Area168.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Iowa Western Community College176.1 mi$6,780N/APublic, 2-year
University of South Dakota182.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College187.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Nebraska

Entry-level dental assistants in Nebraska earn around $38,430 per year. The median salary is $46,660, which is 1.4% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $57,820 per year.

Nebraska vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricNebraskaNational
Median salary$46,660$47,300
Average salary$46,300$48,860
25th percentile$39,710$39,520
75th percentile$48,730$56,910
90th percentile$57,820$61,780

Nebraska employs approximately 2,360 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.95).

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 Nebraska, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.95), 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 Nebraska?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Nebraska is $46,660. Wages range from $38,430 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $57,820 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Kearney?

There are 15 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Kearney. The closest is Central Community College, approximately 39.5 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 Kearney?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Kearney ranges from $6,018 to $9,322. 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 Nebraska?

Demand for dental assistants in Nebraska is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.95. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.