The best dental assistant programs near Salem, Oregon pair accredited training with a state median wage of about $59,490 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This guide ranks nearby schools by proximity and shows local labor-market context so you can compare program length, cost, and credentials.
Key Facts
State median wage: $59,490/yr
Projected growth: +6.4% (2024-2034), about 52,900 openings/yr
Oregon employment: 5,930 workers
Oregon location quotient: 1.21
Typical program length: 6-12 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate)
Distance origin: Schools sorted by miles from Salem
Schools below are sorted by distance from Salem, Oregon. Compare each program’s length, schedule, cost, and credential.
How We Rank Schools
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
#1
Pacific University
📍
Forest Grove, OR
•41.6 miles away•BOC Score
60.8
Dental Assistants employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
381,900
2034 projected
406,300
Percent change
+6.4%
Dental Assistant Pay & Job Outlook
This occupation reported a Oregon median annual wage of about $59,490 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Figures reflect all workers in the occupation, not graduates of any single program.
Annual Wage by Percentile - Dental AssistantsSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Dental Assistants employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
381,900
2034 projected
406,300
Percent change
+6.4%
How to become a dental assistant in Oregon
Becoming a dental assistant in Oregon generally follows these steps. Licensing and required hours vary by occupation and locality — confirm specifics with your state board before enrolling.
Finish high school or earn a GED. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.
Enroll in an accredited program. Choose an accredited dental assistant program near you and complete the required coursework and hands-on or clinical hours.
Complete supervised training or an apprenticeship. Many roles combine classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job or clinical hours. Confirm required hours with your state board.
Earn certification or a state credential. Pass any required certification or licensing exam. Requirements vary in Oregon; verify with the state board or licensing authority.
Apply for jobs and continue education. Use your credential to apply to local employers, and keep certifications current through continuing education.
Apprenticeships & Pathways
Some dental assistant roles can be entered through a registered apprenticeship or supervised hours that combine paid work with related instruction. Required hour totals differ by program and occupation; confirm exact totals with the sponsoring employer or the state board before committing.
What You’ll Study
A typical dental assistant program blends classroom theory with hands-on labs or supervised practice. Coursework usually covers safety, core technical skills, tools and equipment, and preparation for any required certification exam. Course lists vary by school — review each program’s catalog.
Choosing a School
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule (day/evening/online), total cost, and whether the credential matches what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted list above and the Salem labor-market figures to weigh your options.
How long does dental assistant training take near Salem?
Dental Assistant certificate programs near Salem typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Many students also enter the field through a registered apprenticeship or supervised clinical hours. Actual completion time depends on schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and any prerequisite coursework. Confirm exact program lengths with each school.
How much do dental assistant workers earn in Oregon?
According to BLS OEWS (May 2025), this occupation earned a median annual wage of approximately $59,490 in Oregon. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer. The 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $49,010 to $75,570 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do I need a license or certification in Oregon?
Requirements vary by role and employer. Many positions value industry certifications and supervised hours, and some occupations require a state license. Always confirm current requirements with your state board or licensing authority before enrolling.
How do I choose a dental assistant school near Salem?
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule, total cost, and whether the credential aligns with what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted school list above to weigh nearby options against the local labor market figures on this page.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
