Dental assistant programs in Missouri

20 dental assistant programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

16 schools offer these dental assisting programs, and Missouri has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Dental assistants care for patients, take x-rays, keep records and schedule appointments. Many programs take about a year and lead to a certificate or diploma, and some states require you to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam.¹ In Missouri, 15 of the 20 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 13 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 20 programs

How much do dental assistant programs cost in Missouri?

$3,398 to $9,755 is what most dental assistant programs in Missouri cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 20 programs with a price. All of them: $685 to $18,269

In the typical program

Finished the program: Too few programs to say
Working 6 months later: Too few programs to say
Earned a year, estimated: Too few programs to say
Length: 12 to 56 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Missouri may also offer dental assistant programs. How these figures are made

Are there free dental assistant programs in Missouri?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page.²³
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁴
Or pay yourself. Most dental assisting programs in Missouri cost $3,398 to $9,755.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

Dental assistant programs in Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City and other Missouri cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 1 more program is in 1 other area and 7 online.

All 20 dental assistant programs in Missouri approved for WIOA funding

20 programs

Dental assistantHybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assistant: Restorative Permit
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield · Dental assistant · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,175
Program website, Dental Assistant: Restorative Permit at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Dental Assistant: Restorative Permit at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
6 weeks, 24 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
72
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$1,175
Dental assistant (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting AAS
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield · Dental assistant (associate degree) · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$13,598
Program website, Dental Assisting AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Dental Assisting AAS at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
58%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,000
Students counted
53
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$13,598
Dental assistantHybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assistant
Concorde Career College
Kansas City
No diploma needed
Concorde Career College, Kansas City · Dental assistant · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$28,400
Price if you pay yourself$18,269
Program website, Dental Assistant at Concorde Career College
More details about Dental Assistant at Concorde Career College
Finished
70%
Working at 6 months
89%
Earned in a quarter
$7,108
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
$734
Students counted
11
a year, estimated
$28,400
price
$18,269
Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting
Midwest Technical Institute
Springfield
No diploma needed
Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$14,200
Price if you pay yourself$15,455
Program website, Dental Assisting at Midwest Technical Institute
More details about Dental Assisting at Midwest Technical Institute
Finished
62%
Working at 6 months
87%
Earned in a quarter
$3,558
Length
35 weeks, 5 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,245
Students counted
10
a year, estimated
$14,200
price
$15,455
Dental assistant (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City
No diploma needed
Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City · Dental assistant (associate degree) · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$9,438
Program website, Dental Assisting at Metropolitan Community College
More details about Dental Assisting at Metropolitan Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
80 weeks, 16 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$5,744
Students counted
33
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$9,438
Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
Cape Girardeau
No diploma needed
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center, Cape Girardeau · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$685
Program website, Dental Assisting at Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
More details about Dental Assisting at Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
14 weeks, 6 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$165
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$685
Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting Program With Clinical Externship
Drury University, Springfield
Based in Springfield, MO
No diploma needed
Drury University, Springfield, based in Springfield, MO · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,699
Program website, Dental Assisting Program With Clinical Externship at Drury University, Springfield
More details about Dental Assisting Program With Clinical Externship at Drury University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
26 weeks, 9 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$300
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$1,699
Dental assistantHybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
Kennett
No diploma needed
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, Kennett · Dental assistant · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,974
Program website, Dental Assisting at Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
More details about Dental Assisting at Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
10 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$405
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$2,974
Dental assistantOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
CE Ed2GO Clinical Dental Assistant
Jefferson College
Based in Hillsboro, MO
High school diploma or equivalent
Jefferson College, based in Hillsboro, MO · Dental assistant · Online · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,094
Program website, CE Ed2GO Clinical Dental Assistant at Jefferson College
More details about CE Ed2GO Clinical Dental Assistant at Jefferson College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,094
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Intro To Dental Assisting St Louis
Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
Wentzville
High school diploma or equivalent
Center For Advanced Dental Assisting, Wentzville · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,500
Program website, Intro To Dental Assisting St Louis at Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
More details about Intro To Dental Assisting St Louis at Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
10 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,500
Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed
Intro To Dental Assisting Wentzville
Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
Wentzville
No diploma needed
Center For Advanced Dental Assisting, Wentzville · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,500
Program website, Intro To Dental Assisting Wentzville at Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
More details about Intro To Dental Assisting Wentzville at Center For Advanced Dental Assisting
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
60 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,500
Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting
Laurel Institute For Dental Assistants
Saint Peters
No diploma needed
Laurel Institute For Dental Assistants, Saint Peters · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,700
Program website, Dental Assisting at Laurel Institute For Dental Assistants
More details about Dental Assisting at Laurel Institute For Dental Assistants
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
65 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$50
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,700
Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed
Dental Assistant
Missouri State University, Springfield
Based in Springfield, MO
No diploma needed
Missouri State University, Springfield, based in Springfield, MO · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,799
Program website, Dental Assistant at Missouri State University, Springfield
More details about Dental Assistant at Missouri State University, Springfield
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
Not reported
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,799
Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed
Dental Assistant - Online Program
Columbia Area Career Center
Based in Columbia, MO
No diploma needed
Columbia Area Career Center, based in Columbia, MO · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,799
Program website, Dental Assistant - Online Program at Columbia Area Career Center
More details about Dental Assistant - Online Program at Columbia Area Career Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
11 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,799
Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed
Dental Assistant With Externship - Online
Columbia Area Career Center
Based in Columbia, MO
No diploma needed
Columbia Area Career Center, based in Columbia, MO · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,799
Program website, Dental Assistant With Externship - Online at Columbia Area Career Center
More details about Dental Assistant With Externship - Online at Columbia Area Career Center
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,799
Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting (ho)
St. Charles Community College
Based in Cottleville, MO
No diploma needed
St. Charles Community College, based in Cottleville, MO · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,874
Program website, Dental Assisting (ho) at St. Charles Community College
More details about Dental Assisting (ho) at St. Charles Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$3,874
Dental assistantOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
DA-3000: Dental Assistant
Medcerts, Llc
Based in Livonia, MI
High school diploma or equivalent
Medcerts, Llc, based in Livonia, MI · Dental assistant · Online · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$4,000
Program website, DA-3000: Dental Assistant at Medcerts, Llc
More details about DA-3000: Dental Assistant at Medcerts, Llc
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
14 weeks, 16 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$4,000
Dental assistantHybridNo diploma needed
Dental Assisting Certificate
Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield
No diploma needed
Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield · Dental assistant · Hybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$9,614
Program website, Dental Assisting Certificate at Ozarks Technical Community College
More details about Dental Assisting Certificate at Ozarks Technical Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,000
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$9,614
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Franklin Technology Center Adult Education
Joplin
High school diploma or equivalent
Franklin Technology Center Adult Education, Joplin · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$10,177
Program website, Dental Assistant at Franklin Technology Center Adult Education
More details about Dental Assistant at Franklin Technology Center Adult Education
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
120 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,284
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$10,177
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting Technology
State Technical College Of Missouri
Linn
High school diploma or equivalent
State Technical College Of Missouri, Linn · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$11,968
Program website, Dental Assisting Technology at State Technical College Of Missouri
More details about Dental Assisting Technology at State Technical College Of Missouri
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
44 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$3,673
Students counted
Not reported
a year, estimated
Not reported
price
$11,968

How to pay for dental assistant programs in Missouri

WIOA funding can pay for dental assistant programs in Missouri

Every program on this page is approved for WIOA funding: public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.²People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.³

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).⁴

Financial aid and grants for dental assistant programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁵⁶

GI Bill for dental assistant programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁷

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Does WIOA pay for job training? Who qualifies and how to apply

Quick facts: Dental assistant programs in Missouri

programs with a price cost under $3,000: 4 of 20
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare: 10th of 32
dental assistant programs here, against the typical state's 12: 20 vs 12

State comparisons use the same figures as the dental assistant programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Where the Missouri dental assisting program numbers come from

Which Missouri dental assisting programs are on this list?

These are the dental assisting programs Missouri approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).⁸ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Missouri offers.

How Missouri dental assisting program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some dental assisting programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

Other training in Missouri

Sources for the facts about dental assistant programs in Missouri

Show the 8 sourcesHide the sources

Dental assistant programs in Missouri

How much do dental assistant programs cost in Missouri?

Are there free dental assistant programs in Missouri?

Dental assistant programs in Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City and other Missouri cities

All 20 dental assistant programs in Missouri approved for WIOA funding

Dental Assistant: Restorative Permit

Dental Assisting AAS