Dental Assistant Schools in Espanola, New Mexico

Dental Assistant programs in Espanola, 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 Espanola, New Mexico

#1

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, NM 27.9 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

#2

University of New Mexico-Taos Campus

Ranchos de Taos, NM 35.5 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

#3

Luna Community College

Las Vegas, NM 53 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM 68.8 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Carrington College-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM 69.5 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM 70.5 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
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM 71.4 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Trinidad State College

Trinidad, CO 118.1 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

San Juan College

Farmington, NM 128.4 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

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus

Gallup, NM 153 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

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Espanola

There are 10 schools within 153 miles of Espanola.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Santa Fe Community College27.9 mi$2,145N/APublic, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Taos Campus35.5 mi$2,004N/APublic, 2-year
Luna Community College53 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque68.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Carrington College-Albuquerque69.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Main Campus70.5 mi$8,115N/APublic, 4-year
Central New Mexico Community College71.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Trinidad State College118.1 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
San Juan College128.4 mi$1,790N/APublic, 2-year
University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus153 mi$2,575N/APublic, 2-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 Espanola?

There are 15 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Espanola. The closest is Santa Fe Community College, approximately 27.9 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 Espanola?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Espanola 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.