Dental Assistant programs in Las Cruces, 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 Las Cruces, New Mexico
#1
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana
📍
Las Cruces, NM
•4.6 miles away
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana is a Public, 2-year in Las Cruces, NM. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NM.
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso is a Private for-profit, 2-year in El Paso, TX. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Tucson, AZ. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AZ.
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
Metric
New Mexico
National
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).
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.
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 Las Cruces?
There are 14 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Las Cruces. The closest is New Mexico State University-Dona Ana, approximately 4.6 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 Las Cruces?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Las Cruces ranges from $2,145 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.
