Dental Assistant Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee

Dental Assistant programs in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 Knoxville, Tennessee

#1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN 1.2 miles away

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville is a Public, 2-year in Knoxville, TN serving about 730 students and accredited by Council on Occupational Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

South College

Knoxville, TN 4.4 miles away

South College is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Knoxville, TN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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#3

Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN 9.2 miles away

Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Knoxville, TN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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#4

Roane State Community College

Harriman, TN 37.9 miles away

Roane State Community College is a Public, 2-year in Harriman, TN serving about 3,203 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,762
  • Out-of-state tuition: $18,622
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#5

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN 44.6 miles away

Lincoln Memorial University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Harrogate, TN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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#6

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN 51.1 miles away

Tennessee Wesleyan University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Athens, TN serving about 832 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $29,264
  • Out-of-state tuition: $29,264
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville, NC 83.1 miles away

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is a Public, 2-year in Asheville, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

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#8

Genesis Career College-Cookeville

Cookeville, TN 87.1 miles away

Genesis Career College-Cookeville is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Cookeville, TN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

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#9

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN 88.8 miles away

Southern Adventist University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Collegedale, TN serving about 2,673 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $25,590
  • Out-of-state tuition: $25,590
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, VA 90.1 miles away

Mountain Empire Community College is a Public, 2-year in Big Stone Gap, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Knoxville

There are 10 schools within 90 miles of Knoxville.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville1.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
South College4.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville9.2 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Roane State Community College37.9 mi$4,762N/APublic, 2-year
Lincoln Memorial University44.6 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Tennessee Wesleyan University51.1 mi$29,264N/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College83.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Genesis Career College-Cookeville87.1 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Southern Adventist University88.8 mi$25,590N/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Mountain Empire Community College90.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Tennessee

Entry-level dental assistants in Tennessee earn around $36,780 per year. The median salary is $46,090, which is 2.6% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $59,210 per year.

Tennessee vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricTennesseeNational
Median salary$46,090$47,300
Average salary$46,680$48,860
25th percentile$38,980$39,520
75th percentile$54,440$56,910
90th percentile$59,210$61,780

Tennessee employs approximately 6,370 dental assistants (1.9 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.80).

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 Tennessee, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.80), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Tennessee is $46,090. Wages range from $36,780 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,210 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Knoxville?

There are 93 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Knoxville. The closest is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville, approximately 1.2 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 Knoxville?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Knoxville ranges from $2,367 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 Tennessee?

Demand for dental assistants in Tennessee is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.80. The state employs 1.9 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.