Dental Assistant programs in Rapid City, South Dakota 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 Rapid City, South Dakota
#1
Western Dakota Technical College
📍
Rapid City, SD
•2.1 miles away
Western Dakota Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Rapid City, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.
National American University-Rapid City is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Rapid City, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.
Tuition
Contact school for pricing
Contact
5301 Mount Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57701-2823
Northern Wyoming Community College District is a Public, 2-year in Sheridan, WY serving about 1,607 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WY.
Laramie County Community College is a Public, 4-year in Cheyenne, WY serving about 2,563 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WY.
University of Wyoming is a Public, 4-year in Laramie, WY serving about 8,047 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WY.
Entry-level dental assistants in South Dakota earn around
$37,790 per year.
The median salary is $47,680, which is 0.8% above the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $60,760 per year.
South Dakota vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
South Dakota
National
Median salary
$47,680
$47,300
Average salary
$49,080
$48,860
25th percentile
$44,190
$39,520
75th percentile
$57,720
$56,910
90th percentile
$60,760
$61,780
South Dakota employs approximately 1,240 dental assistants (2.7 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.13).
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 South Dakota, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.13), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.
How much do dental assistants make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for dental assistants in South Dakota is $47,680. Wages range from $37,790 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $60,760 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Rapid City?
There are 7 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Rapid City. The closest is Western Dakota Technical College, approximately 2.1 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 Rapid City?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Rapid City ranges from $4,613 to $6,938. 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 South Dakota?
Demand for dental assistants in South Dakota is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.13. The state employs 2.7 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
