The 10 Best Dental Assistant Colleges in the US
The 10 Best Dental Assistant Colleges in the US
Dental assisting is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after careers in allied health. The profession offers job stability, strong salary growth, and a short training pathway—often less than a year. As dental practices expand across the country, the need for trained assistants continues to surge. Choosing the right school is critical, especially one that prepares students not only for certification but for immediate entry into the workforce with hands-on clinical experience. Below is a list of ten of the best dental assistant colleges and training programs in the U.S., with The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) featured prominently at number six.
1. Pima Medical Institute – Multiple Locations (AZ, WA, CO, and others)
Pima has built a national reputation for hands-on, focused healthcare education. Its dental assistant programs are particularly strong, offering small class sizes, access to modern lab equipment, and externships in both general and specialty dental practices. Radiology certification and DANB exam preparation are built into the curriculum, making Pima a consistent top choice.
2. San Diego Mesa College – San Diego, CA
Part of the esteemed California community college system, San Diego Mesa College’s CODA-accredited dental assistant program offers comprehensive training in patient care, dental materials, infection control, and radiology. Students benefit from affordable tuition, access to top-tier dental clinics in the region, and strong state board pass rates.
3. Lake Area Technical College – Watertown, SD
A hidden gem in the Midwest, Lake Area Tech’s program is known for outstanding clinical instruction and local employer relationships. The program prepares students for both entry-level dental assistant roles and expanded functions certification, with graduates enjoying high placement rates and competitive regional pay.
4. Portland Community College – Portland, OR
PCC offers a well-structured, full-time dental assisting program that balances classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Students participate in externships and learn chairside assisting, radiographic techniques, and front-office procedures. The program is accredited and has strong partnerships with area dental clinics.
5. MassBay Community College – Wellesley Hills, MA
MassBay’s dental assistant certificate program is a respected and affordable option in the Northeast. The program includes instruction in oral anatomy, dental radiology, infection control, and preventive dentistry. Students are eligible to sit for the DANB and pursue radiology certification in Massachusetts.
6. The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) – Queens, NY
NYSMDA stands out in the New York metropolitan area as a premier training ground for dental assistants. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the school offers a rigorous 10-month program that blends theory, lab work, and clinical externship experience. What sets NYSMDA apart is its integration of New York State licensing requirements directly into its curriculum, including mandatory dental radiology training.
With proximity to thousands of dental offices in New York City, students at NYSMDA benefit from exceptional externship placements and post-graduate job opportunities. The program also includes job placement support and guidance with the licensure process, giving graduates a competitive edge. For students seeking direct access to high-paying urban clinics and a fast, respected certification track, NYSMDA offers one of the most effective programs in the nation.
7. Plaza College – Forest Hills, NY
Plaza College offers a CODA-accredited associate degree in dental assisting. Located in Queens, it provides a strong academic foundation with extensive clinical components and access to New York City’s dental network. The degree format may be ideal for students looking to pursue further healthcare education or move into management roles later in their careers.
8. Fortis College – Nationwide Locations
Fortis has multiple locations offering dental assisting diploma programs, with flexible schedules and strong student services. The curriculum covers chairside assistance, X-rays, lab procedures, and patient recordkeeping. Fortis is especially popular among adult learners and career changers seeking evening classes and quick job placement.
9. College of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas, NV
CSN offers a highly respected, affordable dental assisting program that includes both didactic and clinical instruction. Accredited by CODA, the program prepares students to work in general and specialty practices, and to sit for the DANB. It serves as a strong pipeline into Nevada’s growing healthcare sector.
10. Fox Valley Technical College – Appleton, WI
Fox Valley Tech’s dental assistant program offers robust technical instruction paired with clinical training. With high post-graduate employment rates and excellent community dental partnerships, it’s an ideal option for Wisconsin residents seeking fast entry into the field with strong local support.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
