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Dental assistant programs in Virginia

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

17 schools offer these dental assisting programs, and Virginia 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 Virginia, 5 of the 17 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 4 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 17 programs

How much do dental assistant programs cost in Virginia?

$2,499 to $7,615 is what most dental assistant programs in Virginia cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 17 programs with a price. All of them: $795 to $36,695

In the typical program

Finished the program
97%
Working 6 months later
71%
Earned a year, estimated
about $30,000
Length
11 to 18 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 Virginia may also offer dental assistant programs. How these figures are made

Are there free dental assistant programs in Virginia?

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

Dental assistant programs in Virginia Beach, Washington, Richmond and other Virginia cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 2 more programs are in 2 other areas, 3 in smaller cities and towns and 1 online.

All 17 dental assistant programs in Virginia approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
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17 programs

  • Dental assistantHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    DA-3000 Dental Assistant

    MedCerts, LLC

    Livonia, MI

    High school diploma or equivalent

    MedCerts, LLC, Livonia, MI · Dental assistant · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Classes are outside Virginia; Virginia approved the program for its funding.

    Earned a year, estimated$33,700
    Price if you pay yourself$4,000
    More details about DA-3000 Dental Assistant at MedCerts, LLC
    Finished
    93%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,426
    Length
    14 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    567
    a year, estimated
    $33,700
    price
    $4,000

  • Dental assistant (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)

    Virginia Beach

    High school diploma or equivalent

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads), Virginia Beach · Dental assistant (associate degree) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$27,149
    More details about Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting at ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)
    Finished
    50%
    Working at 6 months
    35%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    155
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $27,149

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting - With Radiology

    Dental Staff School

    Knoxville, TN

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Staff School, Knoxville, TN · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Classes are outside Virginia; Virginia approved the program for its funding.

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,133
    Program website, Dental Assisting - With Radiology at Dental Staff School
    More details about Dental Assisting - With Radiology at Dental Staff School
    Finished
    92%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    6 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $902
    Students counted
    120
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $4,133

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting

    Laurel Ridge Community College - Main Campus

    Middletown

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Laurel Ridge Community College - Main Campus, Middletown · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$30,800
    Price if you pay yourself$3,195
    More details about Dental Assisting at Laurel Ridge Community College - Main Campus
    Finished
    96%
    Working at 6 months
    82%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,696
    Length
    18 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    74
    a year, estimated
    $30,800
    price
    $3,195

  • Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed

    Dental Assistant

    Massanutten Technical Center

    Harrisonburg

    No diploma needed

    Massanutten Technical Center, Harrisonburg · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,825
    More details about Dental Assistant at Massanutten Technical Center
    Finished
    89%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    25 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $579
    Students counted
    40
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $2,825

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Career Studies Certificate in Dental Assisting

    Wytheville Community College

    Wytheville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wytheville Community College, Wytheville · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,800
    Price if you pay yourself$1,653
    More details about Career Studies Certificate in Dental Assisting at Wytheville Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    38%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,441
    Length
    15 weeks, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $215
    Students counted
    39
    a year, estimated
    $21,800
    price
    $1,653

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting

    Today's Dentist Assisting School

    Williamsburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Today's Dentist Assisting School, Williamsburg · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$22,800
    Price if you pay yourself$5,900
    More details about Dental Assisting at Today's Dentist Assisting School
    Finished
    97%
    Working at 6 months
    88%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,696
    Length
    10 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    32
    a year, estimated
    $22,800
    price
    $5,900

  • Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed

    Dental Assistant

    Valley Career & Technical Center

    Fishersville

    No diploma needed

    Valley Career & Technical Center, Fishersville · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$795
    More details about Dental Assistant at Valley Career & Technical Center
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    15 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $230
    Students counted
    25
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $795

  • Dental assistantIn personEducation and courses

    Dental Assistant Certificate

    Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education

    Springfield

    Education and courses

    Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education, Springfield · Dental assistant · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$35,800
    Price if you pay yourself$2,890
    More details about Dental Assistant Certificate at Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    60%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,943
    Length
    12 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $510
    Students counted
    24
    a year, estimated
    $35,800
    price
    $2,890

  • Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed

    Dental Assisting

    Mountain Empire Community College

    Big Stone Gap

    No diploma needed

    Mountain Empire Community College, Big Stone Gap · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$29,200
    Price if you pay yourself$7,615
    Program website, Dental Assisting at Mountain Empire Community College
    More details about Dental Assisting at Mountain Empire Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,301
    Length
    18 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $822
    Students counted
    23
    a year, estimated
    $29,200
    price
    $7,615

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting Career Studies Certificate

    Germanna Community College

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,930
    More details about Dental Assisting Career Studies Certificate at Germanna Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 39 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    15
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $10,930

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assistant

    Centura College/Chesapeake, Norfolk, Peninsula

    Virginia Beach

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Centura College/Chesapeake, Norfolk, Peninsula, Virginia Beach · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$36,695
    More details about Dental Assistant at Centura College/Chesapeake, Norfolk, Peninsula
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    33 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    13
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $36,695

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting - (Entry-Level Dental Assisting)

    180AllSmiles Dental Assisting Academy, LLC

    Gordonsville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    180AllSmiles Dental Assisting Academy, LLC, Gordonsville · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,500
    More details about Dental Assisting - (Entry-Level Dental Assisting) at 180AllSmiles Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    11 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $100
    Students counted
    10
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $3,500

  • Dental assistantIn personNo diploma needed

    Dental Assisting Program

    Chesterfield Adult Education

    Chesterfield

    No diploma needed

    Chesterfield Adult Education, Chesterfield · Dental assistant · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$895
    School website, Dental Assisting Program at Chesterfield Adult Education
    More details about Dental Assisting Program at Chesterfield Adult Education
    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
    $895

  • Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting Program

    Richmond Adult Technical Center

    Richmond

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Richmond Adult Technical Center, Richmond · Dental assistant · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,349
    School website, Dental Assisting Program at Richmond Adult Technical Center
    More details about Dental Assisting Program at Richmond Adult Technical Center
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    5 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $1,349

  • Dental assistantOnlineNo diploma needed

    Registered Dental Assistant

    AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare

    Based in Henrico, VA

    No diploma needed

    AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare, based in Henrico, VA · Dental assistant · Online · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,499
    Program website, Registered Dental Assistant at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare
    More details about Registered Dental Assistant at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    14 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $130
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $2,499

  • Dental assistantHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Dental Assisting

    Fortis College-Norfolk

    Norfolk

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Fortis College-Norfolk, Norfolk · Dental assistant · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$19,444
    More details about Dental Assisting at Fortis College-Norfolk
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,152
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $19,444

How to pay for dental assistant programs in Virginia

WIOA funding can pay for dental assistant programs in Virginia

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 Virginia

programs with a price cost under $2,000
4 of 17
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
7th of 32
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
14 of 22
dental assistant programs here, against the typical state's 12
17 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 Virginia dental assisting program numbers come from

Which Virginia dental assisting programs are on this list?

These are the dental assisting programs Virginia 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 Virginia offers.

How Virginia 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 Virginia

Sources for the facts about dental assistant programs in Virginia

Show the 8 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Assistants
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  5. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  7. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  8. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List