Dental Assistant Schools in Suffolk, Virginia

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Suffolk, Virginia 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 Suffolk, Virginia

#1

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA 22.5 miles away

Old Dominion University is a Public, 4-year in Norfolk, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#2

Centura College-Norfolk

Norfolk, VA 26.9 miles away

Centura College-Norfolk is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Norfolk, VA serving about 193 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $16,637
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,637
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#3

Fortis College-Norfolk

Norfolk, VA 27 miles away

Fortis College-Norfolk is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Norfolk, VA serving about 431 students and accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $14,083
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,083
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA 27.5 miles away

ECPI University is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Virginia Beach, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#5

Virginia Peninsula Community College

Hampton, VA 28.3 miles away

Virginia Peninsula Community College is a Public, 2-year in Hampton, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#6

Halifax Community College

Weldon, NC 57.3 miles away

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

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#7

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Richmond, VA 72.9 miles away

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a Public, 2-year in Richmond, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#8

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA 74.1 miles away

Virginia Commonwealth University is a Public, 4-year in Richmond, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#9

Fortis College-Richmond

Richmond, VA 76.9 miles away

Fortis College-Richmond is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Richmond, VA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across VA.

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#10

Pitt Community College

Winterville, NC 90 miles away

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

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Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Suffolk

There are 10 schools within 90 miles of Suffolk.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Old Dominion University22.5 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Centura College-Norfolk26.9 mi$16,637N/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Fortis College-Norfolk27 mi$14,083N/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
ECPI University27.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Virginia Peninsula Community College28.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Halifax Community College57.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College72.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Virginia Commonwealth University74.1 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Fortis College-Richmond76.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Pitt Community College90 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia

Entry-level dental assistants in Virginia earn around $37,670 per year. The median salary is $46,910, which is 0.8% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $59,920 per year.

Virginia vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricVirginiaNational
Median salary$46,910$47,300
Average salary$47,900$48,860
25th percentile$42,190$39,520
75th percentile$54,650$56,910
90th percentile$59,920$61,780

Virginia employs approximately 11,040 dental assistants (2.7 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.12).

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 Virginia, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.12), 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 Virginia?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Virginia is $46,910. Wages range from $37,670 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,920 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Suffolk?

There are 60 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Suffolk. The closest is Old Dominion University, approximately 22.5 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 Suffolk?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Suffolk ranges from $2,336 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 Virginia?

Demand for dental assistants in Virginia is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.12. The state employs 2.7 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.