Dental assistant programs in Minnesota

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

14 schools offer these dental assisting programs, and Minnesota 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 Minnesota, all 16 programs ask for a high school diploma or equivalent.

By kind, the 16 programs here are dental assistant (associate degree, 10 programs), dental assistant (5 programs) and expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA, 1 program).

See the 16 programs

How much do dental assistant programs cost in Minnesota?

Two-year degrees (10 programs): $9,972 to $10,762most of them, usually 120 weeks long
Other dental assisting programs (6 programs): $5,597 to $8,017most of them, usually 60 weeks long

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program: 55%
Working 6 months later: 85%
Earned a year, estimated: about $33,700
Length: 60 to 120 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 Minnesota may also offer dental assistant programs. How these figures are made

Are there free dental assistant programs in Minnesota?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.²³⁴For a degree, the job center first looks at grants such as a federal Pell Grant; WIOA pays toward what they don't cover.⁴In program year 2024 it paid toward the training of at least 12 people at 3 of the 16 programs here.
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁵ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁴
Or pay yourself. Two-year degrees here mostly cost $9,972 to $10,762.Other dental assisting programs here mostly cost $5,597 to $8,017.

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

All 16 dental assistant programs in Minnesota approved for WIOA funding

16 programs

Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Century College
White Bear Lake
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Century College, White Bear LakeDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$38,900
Price if you pay yourself$10,586
Program website, Dental Assistant at Century College
More details about Dental Assistant at Century College
Finished
71%
Working at 6 months
80%
Earned in a quarter
$9,714
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
475
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$38,900
Price if you pay yourself
$10,586
Program website, Dental Assistant at Century College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Hennepin Technical College
Eden Prairie
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Hennepin Technical College, Eden PrairieDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,300
Price if you pay yourself$9,683
Program website, Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
Finished
48%
Working at 6 months
85%
Earned in a quarter
$8,823
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
339
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$35,300
Price if you pay yourself
$9,683
Program website, Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn ParkDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,300
Price if you pay yourself$9,683
Program website, Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
Finished
48%
Working at 6 months
85%
Earned in a quarter
$8,823
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
339
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$35,300
Price if you pay yourself
$9,683
Program website, Dental Assistant at Hennepin Technical College
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Minneapolis
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, MinneapolisDental assistant · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,100
Price if you pay yourself$5,597
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minneapolis Community and Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Finished
40%
Working at 6 months
78%
Earned in a quarter
$6,021
Length
60 weeks, 35 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
323
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$24,100
Price if you pay yourself
$5,597
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Rochester Community and Technical College, RochesterDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,600
Price if you pay yourself$10,816
3 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Dental Assistant at Rochester Community and Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Rochester Community and Technical College
Finished
37%
Working at 6 months
91%
Earned in a quarter
$7,398
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
281
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$29,600
Price if you pay yourself
$10,816
students trained with WIOA funding
3
Program website, Dental Assistant at Rochester Community and Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Moorhead
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Minnesota State Community and Technical College, MoorheadDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$23,400
Price if you pay yourself$10,427
Program website, Dental Assisting at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
More details about Dental Assisting at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Finished
48%
Working at 6 months
35%
Earned in a quarter
$5,845
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
232
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$23,400
Price if you pay yourself
$10,427
Program website, Dental Assisting at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Dakota County Technical College, RosemountDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,200
Price if you pay yourself$10,440
Program website, Dental Assistant at Dakota County Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Dakota County Technical College
Finished
29%
Working at 6 months
88%
Earned in a quarter
$8,305
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
206
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$33,200
Price if you pay yourself
$10,440
Program website, Dental Assistant at Dakota County Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
St. Cloud
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
St. Cloud Technical & Community College, St. CloudDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$38,300
Price if you pay yourself$9,820
Program website, Dental Assistant at St. Cloud Technical & Community College
More details about Dental Assistant at St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Finished
86%
Working at 6 months
89%
Earned in a quarter
$9,577
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
196
Earned a year, estimated
$38,300
Price if you pay yourself
$9,820
Program website, Dental Assistant at St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting
South Central College
North Mankato
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
South Central College, North MankatoDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$34,200
Price if you pay yourself$15,527
Program website, Dental Assisting at South Central College
More details about Dental Assisting at South Central College
Finished
65%
Working at 6 months
88%
Earned in a quarter
$8,558
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
155
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$34,200
Price if you pay yourself
$15,527
Program website, Dental Assisting at South Central College
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting
Central Lakes College
Brainerd
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Central Lakes College, BrainerdDental assistant · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,300
Price if you pay yourself$7,209
5 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Dental Assisting at Central Lakes College
More details about Dental Assisting at Central Lakes College
Finished
86%
Working at 6 months
92%
Earned in a quarter
$7,336
Length
60 weeks, 44 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
133
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$29,300
Price if you pay yourself
$7,209
students trained with WIOA funding
5
Program website, Dental Assisting at Central Lakes College
Dental assistant (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting
Herzing University
St. Louis Park
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Herzing University, St. Louis ParkDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$40,100
Price if you pay yourself$33,625
Program website, Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting at Herzing University
More details about Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting at Herzing University
Finished
76%
Working at 6 months
81%
Earned in a quarter
$10,013
Length
60 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,200
Students counted
117
Earned a year, estimated
$40,100
Price if you pay yourself
$33,625
Program website, Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting at Herzing University
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Northwest Technical College, BemidjiDental assistant · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,100
Price if you pay yourself$8,017
Program website, Dental Assisting at Northwest Technical College
More details about Dental Assisting at Northwest Technical College
Finished
70%
Working at 6 months
72%
Earned in a quarter
$6,023
Length
60 weeks, 45 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
78
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$24,100
Price if you pay yourself
$8,017
Program website, Dental Assisting at Northwest Technical College
Dental assistant (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Canby
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Minnesota West Community and Technical College, CanbyDental assistant (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$23,300
Price if you pay yourself$10,601
4 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Finished
40%
Working at 6 months
70%
Earned in a quarter
$5,823
Length
120 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
70
Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.
Earned a year, estimated
$23,300
Price if you pay yourself
$10,601
students trained with WIOA funding
4
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant Expanded Functions
Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Rochester Community and Technical College, RochesterExpanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,400
Price if you pay yourself$2,197
Program website, Dental Assistant Expanded Functions at Rochester Community and Technical College
More details about Dental Assistant Expanded Functions at Rochester Community and Technical College
Finished
62%
Working at 6 months
85%
Earned in a quarter
$8,842
Length
30 weeks, 13 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
46
Earned a year, estimated
$35,400
Price if you pay yourself
$2,197
Program website, Dental Assistant Expanded Functions at Rochester Community and Technical College
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assistant
Minnesota North College
Hibbing
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Minnesota North College, HibbingDental assistant · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minnesota North College
More details about Dental Assistant at Minnesota North College
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
Not reported
Students counted
19
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Not reported
Program website, Dental Assistant at Minnesota North College
Dental assistantIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Dental Assisting
Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Minnesota State University Mankato, MankatoDental assistant · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$8,633
Program website, Dental Assisting at Minnesota State University Mankato
More details about Dental Assisting at Minnesota State University Mankato
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
60 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$8,633
Program website, Dental Assisting at Minnesota State University Mankato

How to pay for dental assistant programs in Minnesota

WIOA funding can pay for dental assistant programs in Minnesota

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

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.⁶⁷

GI Bill for dental assistant programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁸

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

Quick facts: Dental assistant programs in Minnesota

programs with a price cost under $10,000: 8 of 15
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare: 30th of 32
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less: 19 of 22
dental assistant programs here, against the typical state's 12: 16 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).

Dental assistant programs in Minneapolis, Rochester, Mankato and other Minnesota cities

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

Other training in Minnesota

How dental assistant programs compare with the rest of allied health: Allied health programs in Minnesota

Where the Minnesota dental assisting program numbers come from

Which Minnesota dental assisting programs are on this list?

These are the dental assisting programs Minnesota 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).⁹ 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 Minnesota offers.

How the prices and results of Minnesota dental assisting programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about dental assistant programs in Minnesota

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources

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Dental assistant programs in Minnesota

How much do dental assistant programs cost in Minnesota?

Are there free dental assistant programs in Minnesota?

All 16 dental assistant programs in Minnesota approved for WIOA funding