Dental Assistant Schools in Watertown, South Dakota

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Watertown, 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 Watertown, South Dakota

#1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD 2.9 miles away

Lake Area Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Watertown, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#2

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN 78.2 miles away

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Granite Falls, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD 94.5 miles away

Southeast Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Sioux Falls, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#4

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND 96.9 miles away

North Dakota State College of Science is a Public, 2-year in Wahpeton, ND. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across ND.

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#5

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fergus Falls, MN 108 miles away

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Fergus Falls, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#6

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD 146.8 miles away

University of South Dakota is a Public, 4-year in Vermillion, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#7

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, MN 152 miles away

St Cloud Technical and Community College is a Public, 2-year in Saint Cloud, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#8

South Central College

North Mankato, MN 161.3 miles away

South Central College is a Public, 2-year in North Mankato, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#9

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN 164.2 miles away

Minnesota State University-Mankato is a Public, 4-year in Mankato, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#10

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 172.7 miles away

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a Public, 2-year in Sioux City, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Watertown

There are 10 schools within 173 miles of Watertown.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Lake Area Technical College2.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Minnesota West Community and Technical College78.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southeast Technical College94.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
North Dakota State College of Science96.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Minnesota State Community and Technical College108 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of South Dakota146.8 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
St Cloud Technical and Community College152 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
South Central College161.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Minnesota State University-Mankato164.2 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College172.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Dental Assistant Salary in South Dakota

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
MetricSouth DakotaNational
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).

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 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.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Watertown?

There are 22 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Watertown. The closest is Lake Area Technical College, approximately 2.9 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 Watertown?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Watertown ranges from $5,376 to $5,376. 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.