Dental Assistant Schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dental Assistant programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico

#1

Carrington College-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM 0.8 miles away

Carrington College-Albuquerque is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Albuquerque, NM. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM 1.7 miles away

University of New Mexico-Main Campus is a Public, 4-year in Albuquerque, NM serving about 16,686 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $8,115
  • Out-of-state tuition: $26,450
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM 2.4 miles away

Central New Mexico Community College is a Public, 2-year in Albuquerque, NM. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM 3 miles away

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Albuquerque, NM. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, NM 50.4 miles away

Santa Fe Community College is a Public, 2-year in Santa Fe, NM serving about 2,234 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,145
  • Out-of-state tuition: $4,995
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Luna Community College

Las Vegas, NM 86.2 miles away

Luna Community College is a Public, 2-year in Las Vegas, NM. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

University of New Mexico-Taos Campus

Ranchos de Taos, NM 104.4 miles away

University of New Mexico-Taos Campus is a Public, 2-year in Ranchos de Taos, NM serving about 355 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,004
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,004
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus

Gallup, NM 120.3 miles away

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus is a Public, 2-year in Gallup, NM serving about 891 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,575
  • Out-of-state tuition: $4,843
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

San Juan College

Farmington, NM 143.2 miles away

San Juan College is a Public, 2-year in Farmington, NM serving about 4,228 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,790
  • Out-of-state tuition: $4,985
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Trinidad State College

Trinidad, CO 186 miles away

Trinidad State College is a Public, 4-year in Trinidad, CO. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CO.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Albuquerque

There are 10 schools within 186 miles of Albuquerque.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Carrington College-Albuquerque0.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Main Campus1.7 mi$8,115N/APublic, 4-year
Central New Mexico Community College2.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque3 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Santa Fe Community College50.4 mi$2,145N/APublic, 2-year
Luna Community College86.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Taos Campus104.4 mi$2,004N/APublic, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus120.3 mi$2,575N/APublic, 2-year
San Juan College143.2 mi$1,790N/APublic, 2-year
Trinidad State College186 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in New Mexico

Entry-level dental assistants in New Mexico earn around $34,620 per year. The median salary is $38,840, which is 17.9% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $54,290 per year.

New Mexico vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricNew MexicoNational
Median salary$38,840$47,300
Average salary$42,290$48,860
25th percentile$36,700$39,520
75th percentile$45,900$56,910
90th percentile$54,290$61,780

New Mexico employs approximately 2,010 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.96).

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 New Mexico, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.96), 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 New Mexico?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in New Mexico is $38,840. Wages range from $34,620 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $54,290 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Albuquerque?

There are 15 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Albuquerque. The closest is Carrington College-Albuquerque, approximately 0.8 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 Albuquerque?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Albuquerque ranges from $1,790 to $8,115. 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 New Mexico?

Demand for dental assistants in New Mexico is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.96. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.