Dental Assistant programs in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania 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 Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
#1
Luzerne County Community College
📍
Nanticoke, PA
•7 miles away
Luzerne County Community College is a Public, 2-year in Nanticoke, PA serving about 3,241 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Northampton County Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Bethlehem, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Pennsylvania College of Technology is a Public, 4-year in Williamsport, PA serving about 4,254 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Miller-Motte College-Berks Technical Institute is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Wyomissing, PA serving about 433 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Lebanon County Area Vocational Technical School is a Public, <2-year in Lebanon, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Entry-level dental assistants in Pennsylvania earn around
$36,670 per year.
The median salary is $48,290, which is 2.1% above the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $61,580 per year.
Pennsylvania vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
Pennsylvania
National
Median salary
$48,290
$47,300
Average salary
$49,760
$48,860
25th percentile
$40,340
$39,520
75th percentile
$57,400
$56,910
90th percentile
$61,580
$61,780
Pennsylvania employs approximately 12,410 dental assistants (2.1 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.85).
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 Pennsylvania, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.85), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.
How much do dental assistants make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Pennsylvania is $48,290. Wages range from $36,670 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $61,580 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Wilkes Barre?
There are 101 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Wilkes Barre. The closest is Luzerne County Community College, approximately 7.0 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 Wilkes Barre?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Wilkes Barre ranges from $4,757 to $33,344. 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 Pennsylvania?
Demand for dental assistants in Pennsylvania is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.85. The state employs 2.1 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
