Best Dental Assistant Schools in Columbia, Tennessee

Updated October 21, 2025

Table of Contents
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Dental assistant programs in Columbia, Tennessee can get you career-ready in under two years. Focus on schools that blend classroom instruction, chairside labs, and clinical rotations so you graduate with the skills local dentists expect.

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Dental Assistant Training in Columbia

  • Look for CODA-accredited programs or state-approved dental assisting certificates.
  • Confirm the curriculum covers radiography, infection control, impressions, and chairside skills.
  • Ask about externships with practices in Columbia or nearby communities so you can log real patient hours.
  • Find out how the school prepares you for DANB exams and any state-specific credentials.

Local Dental Assistant Programs Within 100 Miles of Columbia:

School Location Distance
Columbia State Community College Columbia, TN 3.1 miles
Franklin Hair Academy School of Cosmetology Franklin, TN 23.4 miles
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski Pulaski, TN 29.9 miles
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald Hohenwald, TN 29.9 miles
Lawrenceburg Technical College Lawrenceburg, TN 31.0 miles
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson Dickson, TN 34.6 miles
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville Shelbyville, TN 36.5 miles
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville Nashville, TN 36.9 miles
Nashville State Community College Nashville, TN 37.0 miles
Paul Mitchell the School-Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, TN 38.5 miles

Certification and Licensing in Tennessee

  • Review the latest rules from the state dental board for radiography permits and expanded duties.
  • Track your clinical competencies so they count toward on-the-job requirements and specialty certifications.
  • Keep CPR/BLS, OSHA, and HIPAA training current—most employers require up-to-date cards at hire.

Questions to Ask Schools

  • What percentage of students finish on time and pass certification exams?
  • How does the program support job placement with local dental offices?
  • Are there evening, weekend, or hybrid schedules for working students?
  • Which textbooks, uniforms, or lab fees are included in tuition—and what costs extra?

Next Steps

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