Dental Assistant programs in Gastonia, North Carolina 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 Gastonia, North Carolina
#1
Central Piedmont Community College
📍
Charlotte, NC
•20.2 miles away
Central Piedmont Community College is a Public, 2-year in Charlotte, NC serving about 13,640 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.
York Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Rock Hill, SC serving about 3,813 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.
Catawba Valley Community College is a Public, 2-year in Hickory, NC serving about 3,517 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.
Western Piedmont Community College is a Public, 2-year in Morganton, NC serving about 1,332 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.
Spartanburg Community College is a Public, 2-year in Spartanburg, SC serving about 5,063 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.
Wilkes Community College is a Public, 2-year in Wilkesboro, NC serving about 1,881 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.
Entry-level dental assistants in North Carolina earn around
$37,330 per year.
The median salary is $48,710, which is 3.0% above the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $59,300 per year.
North Carolina vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
North Carolina
National
Median salary
$48,710
$47,300
Average salary
$49,270
$48,860
25th percentile
$45,100
$39,520
75th percentile
$56,840
$56,910
90th percentile
$59,300
$61,780
North Carolina employs approximately 11,100 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.93).
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 North Carolina, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.93), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.
How much do dental assistants make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for dental assistants in North Carolina is $48,710. Wages range from $37,330 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,300 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Gastonia?
There are 81 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Gastonia. The closest is Central Piedmont Community College, approximately 20.2 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 Gastonia?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Gastonia ranges from $2,336 to $29,264. 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 North Carolina?
Demand for dental assistants in North Carolina is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.93. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
