ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Dental Assisting/Assistant Associate’s Degree Schools

52 Colleges in the United States
3,708 Dental Assisting/Assistant Degrees Awarded
$49,972 Avg Early-Career Salary

Dental Assisting/Assistant is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their dental assisting/assistant programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 594 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for dental assisting/assistant students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-assisting-assistant/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 5
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.06), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Dental Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Dental Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Dental Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Dental Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Healthcare DA to Dental Hygienist Programs (I Am a Dental Assistant)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Healthcare DA to Dental Hygienist Programs (I Am a Dental Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 3
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Dental Assisting/Assistant in the United States

Below are the best dental assisting/assistant schools at the associate’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Dental Assisting/Assistant

1

Our analysis ranked Santa Rosa Junior College the best school in the country for a degree in dental assisting/assistant. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Rosa. There were roughly 17 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental assisting/assistant degree recipients from Santa Rosa Junior College generally make around $80,047. Santa Rosa Junior College graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Santa Rosa Junior College

2

Fresno City College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Fresno. Fresno City College awarded about 13 dental assisting/assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Fresno City College earn around $37,470 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete this degree. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Fresno City College

3

Pima Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in dental assisting/assistant, ranking #3. Pima Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. There were roughly 14 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Pima Community College in the most recent data year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Pima Community College earn a median of $62,481 early in their careers. Pima Community College graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Read more about the dental assisting/assistant program at Pima Community College

4

Truckee Meadows Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Set in the city of Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public institution. There were roughly 19 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Truckee Meadows Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $52,785 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $12,290 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from Truckee Meadows Community College

5

College Of Southern Nevada came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Set in the city of Las Vegas, College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public institution. There were roughly 12 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at College Of Southern Nevada in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $75,252 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,980 to complete this degree. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for College Of Southern Nevada

6

Palm Beach State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Palm Beach State College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Lake Worth. About 14 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Palm Beach State College in the most recent year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Palm Beach State College earn a median of $63,723 early in their careers. Palm Beach State College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Palm Beach State College

7
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA

Cerritos College earned the #7 position for dental assisting/assistant this year. Set in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 10 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Cerritos College in the most recent data year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Cerritos College earn a median of $34,175 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,306 to complete this degree. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Cerritos College

8

Northern Virginia Community College placed #8 among the best dental assisting/assistant schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Annandale. About 14 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Northern Virginia Community College earn a median of $70,727 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,894. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Northern Virginia Community College

9
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA

Diablo Valley College came in at #9 for dental assisting/assistant this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill. There were roughly 11 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Diablo Valley College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Diablo Valley College earn around $27,813 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,205. Read more about the dental assisting/assistant program at Diablo Valley College

10

Capital Community College earned the #10 position for dental assisting/assistant this year. Located in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. There were roughly 18 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Capital Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $43,086 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,059. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Capital Community College

11
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Sacramento. About 17 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Sacramento City College in the most recent year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $46,522 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete this degree. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Sacramento City College

12

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #12 for dental assisting/assistant this year. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. About 31 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Central Piedmont Community College earn around $56,456 in the first couple years of their career. Central Piedmont Community College graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Central Piedmont Community College

13

University Of Southern Indiana placed #13 among the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at University Of Southern Indiana in the most recent year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $61,972 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from University Of Southern Indiana

14

Madison Area Technical College landed the #14 spot for dental assisting/assistant this year. Set in the city of Madison, Madison Area Technical College is a large public institution. About 39 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Madison Area Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $59,139 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from Madison Area Technical College

15

Bates Technical College landed the #15 spot for dental assisting/assistant this year. Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. About 11 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Bates Technical College in the most recent year. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Bates Technical College

16
Daytona State College crest
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona State College came in at #16 for dental assisting/assistant this year. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is a large public institution. There were roughly 12 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Daytona State College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental assisting/assistant degree recipients from Daytona State College generally make around $63,591. Daytona State College graduates carry a median of $14,227 in student loans. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Daytona State College

17

Springfield Technical Community College earned the #17 position for dental assisting/assistant this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Springfield. Springfield Technical Community College awarded about 10 dental assisting/assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the dental assisting/assistant program make about $56,883 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,372. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Springfield Technical Community College

18

Tarrant County College District placed #18 among the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Tarrant County College District is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Worth. About 12 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Tarrant County College District in the most recent year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Tarrant County College District earn around $65,537 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,148 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from Tarrant County College District

19
Santa Fe College crest
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL

Santa Fe College came in at #19 for dental assisting/assistant this year. Located in the suburb of Gainesville, Santa Fe College is a large public university. There were roughly 16 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Santa Fe College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental assisting/assistant degree recipients from Santa Fe College generally make around $56,722. Santa Fe College graduates carry a median of $14,875 in student loans. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Santa Fe College

20

Florida State College At Jacksonville ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Set in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public institution. Florida State College At Jacksonville awarded about 11 dental assisting/assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Florida State College At Jacksonville earn around $59,330 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from Florida State College At Jacksonville

21

Carrington College Boise ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Set in the city of Boise, Carrington College Boise is a small private for-profit institution. There were roughly 51 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Carrington College Boise in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, dental assisting/assistant degree recipients from Carrington College Boise generally make around $60,958. Students borrow a median of $31,341 to complete this degree. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Carrington College Boise

22

Sinclair Community College placed #22 among the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. Sinclair Community College awarded about 18 dental assisting/assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their dental assisting/assistant degree from Sinclair Community College earn around $53,091 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,346. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Sinclair Community College

23

Carrington College California Sacramento came in at #23 for dental assisting/assistant this year. Carrington College California Sacramento is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the suburb of Sacramento. There were roughly 51 dental assisting/assistant students who graduated with this degree at Carrington College California Sacramento in the most recent data year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Carrington College California Sacramento earn a median of $70,541 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $32,350. See the full dental assisting/assistant program report for Carrington College California Sacramento

24

Tallahassee Community College landed the #24 spot for dental assisting/assistant this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Tallahassee Community College is a large public university. About 20 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Tallahassee Community College in the most recent year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Tallahassee Community College earn a median of $51,709 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,417 to complete this degree. Get the full dental assisting/assistant details for Tallahassee Community College

25

Portland Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best dental assisting/assistant schools. Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public university. About 32 dental assisting/assistant degrees were awarded at Portland Community College in the most recent year. Dental Assisting/assistant graduates of Portland Community College earn a median of $58,410 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. More information about a degree in dental assisting/assistant from Portland Community College

Rest of the Top 50 Dental Assisting/Assistant Schools

These schools also placed among the best for dental assisting/assistant this year:

26
27
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE
28
29
30
31
32
33
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA
34
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA
35
36
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
37
38
39
40
41
42
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Camden County College crest
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ

Additional Dental Assisting/Assistant Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for dental assisting/assistant:

Rank School Location
#63 Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA
#75 Century College White Bear Lake, MN
#76 Rochester Community And Technical College Rochester, MN
#110 Herzing University Minneapolis St. Louis Park, MN

Honorable Mentions

A few more dental assisting/assistant schools worth a look:

Other Dental Assisting/Assistant Degree Levels

Explore the best dental assisting/assistant schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Dental Assisting/Assistant
Bachelor's Degrees in Dental Assisting/Assistant
Master's Degrees in Dental Assisting/Assistant
ADBLOCK #173
View All Dental Assisting/Assistant Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 594 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options