City guide · Updated September 2026
Dental assistant schools in Denver and the Front Range
The Denver metro has the most dental assisting options in Colorado. Here's how the short weekend programs compare with longer college certificates, and how to choose.
Short private programs (8–12 weeks)
These are Colorado-approved private occupational schools. Classes are usually held on weekends or evenings inside working dental offices, so you can keep your current job.
| School | Where | Length | Schedule | Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Dental Assisting School | Aurora (Denver), Colorado Springs | 10 weeks | Saturdays or Tue/Thu evenings | $3,995 (Colorado Springs) |
| Denver Dental Assistant School | Denver | See school | Weekend format (see school) | $3,250 paid in full |
| Academy for Dental Assisting Careers | Longmont, Greeley | 8 weeks | Hybrid online + hands-on in dental practices | Ask the school |
Career-college certificates (about 8–9 months)
Career colleges run longer, campus-based programs with an externship. They cost more, but they're often eligible for federal financial aid, and they go deeper into radiography, infection control and chairside skills.
| School | Where | Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute (Dental Assistant certificate) | Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs | About 9 months | Campus-based, includes externship |
| Concorde Career College (Dental Assistant) | Denver | As little as 8–9 months | Campus-based (Denver campus, formerly Aurora) |
*As published on each school's website, checked September 17, 2026. Listing a school doesn't mean we partner with it. Confirm dates, prices and what's included before you pay a deposit.
Which route fits you?
- You need to keep working: a weekend or evening program is usually the fastest, cheapest way in.
- You need financial aid: ask career colleges about federal aid. Short private programs usually offer payment plans instead.
- You want a longer-term healthcare path: a college certificate can be a stepping stone toward DANB's CDA credential or a later dental hygiene program.
X-rays: the one rule to check
Colorado doesn't license dental assistants, but you need qualifying radiography training (or a qualifying DANB exam) before you take x-rays. Ask every Denver school whether its radiography training meets Colorado's requirement and is included in tuition. See all Colorado requirements.
Working as a dental assistant in Denver
The Denver–Aurora metro is Colorado's largest dental job market. It has general dentistry groups, dental service organizations (DSOs), orthodontic and oral-surgery specialists, and community health clinics. Pay tends to run higher than in smaller Colorado markets, but so do rent and commuting costs. See our Colorado salary guide and highest-paying DA jobs.
Nearby
Considering the Springs instead? Read the Colorado Springs guide or compare every Colorado program.
Get matched
Take the 60-second quiz and we'll point you to the Denver-area programs that fit your schedule and budget.