The Top 20 Dental Assistant Programs in Richmond, VA in 2026
Richmond is home to some of the best dental assistant programs in Virginia. With a variety of accredited colleges, technical schools, and on-the-job training opportunities available, aspiring dental assistants have their pick of quality programs to launch their career in the dental field.
This blog post will explore the top 20 dental assistant programs in Richmond, VA based on accreditation, program offerings, cost, financial aid opportunities, and graduate outcomes. Whether you‘re a recent high school graduate or looking to change careers, read on to discover the ideal dental assisting program to meet your needs!
1. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College offers an accredited 9-month dental assisting program covering all aspects of dental care. Students gain hands-on training in the on-site dental hygiene clinic using the latest equipment and technology.
Highlights:
- Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
- All graduates become Radiation Health and Safety certified
- Externships at private dental offices included
- High graduate placement rates
Cost: Virginia resident tuition: $5,200; Out-of-state: $9,480
Financial Aid: Federal loans, institutional loans, scholarships
Outcome: 100% of 2022 graduates passed the DANB exam and secured dental assisting jobs.
2. Chester Career College
The 10-month dental assisting diploma program at Chester Career College provides in-depth training in dental care, radiography, lab processes, and office administration. Graduates can take the DANB exam to become a certified dental assistant.
Highlights:
- Hands-on practicum experience
- Small class sizes
- Career placement assistance
- Option to specialize in orthodontics or administration
Cost: $15,495
Financial Aid: Institutional loans and payment plans
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
3. Centura College
At Centura College‘s Richmond campus, students can earn their dental assisting diploma in just 9 months. The program includes courses in dental sciences, lab techniques, radiography, and office management, culminating in an intensive externship.
Highlights:
- Externship opportunities at private practices
- Associate‘s degree options available
- Training in digital X-rays
- Qualifies graduates to take the DANB exam
Cost: $17,575
Financial Aid: Federal loans, GI bill benefits
Outcome: 100% of 2022 graduates passed the DANB exam
4. Dental Assistant Pro LLC
Dental Assistant Pro is an acclaimed 8-week, on-the-job training program allowing students to learn directly from a licensed dental professional. Trainees gain certification and experience assisting with clinical and administrative duties.
Highlights:
- 8 weeks of intensive one-on-one training
- Hands-on experience with real patients
- Official certificate upon completion
- Guidance on obtaining DANB certification
Cost: $3,999
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement for 2022 graduates
5. Virginia Dental Assistants Academy LLC
This hands-on training program involves working side-by-side with industry experts at an actual dental office. Students learn key skills like patient care, lab procedures, radiography, and administrative tasks through real-world experience.
Highlights:
- 8 week intensive training
- Small class size
- On-the-job experience
- DANB exam preparation
Cost: $3,700
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
6. Dental Careers Institute
This 10-week program delivers a comprehensive education in dental assisting, including specialized tracks in orthodontics and dentistry. Graduates gain in-demand skills tailored to their professional interests.
Highlights:
- Specialized orthodontic and general tracks
- Externship with a licensed dentist included
- Training in digital X-rays
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $10,995
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 90% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
7. Southside Regional Medical Center
Southside Regional Medical Center has trained dental assistants for over 15 years through its acclaimed 9-month program. Students gain intensive experience with clinical procedures, dental imaging, lab work, and front office training.
Highlights:
- 9-month program with 400 hours of instruction
- Dental assisting certificate upon completion
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $4,800
Financial Aid: Private student loans available
Outcome: 100% of 2022 graduates passed the DANB exam
8. Dental Careers Institute
Offered through Dental Careers Institute‘s Richmond campus, this 9-month training program allows students to gain expertise in all areas of dental assisting, qualifying them to take the DANB exam for certification.
Highlights:
- 9 months of intensive training
- Hands-on practicum experience
- Training in digital X-rays
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $13,400
Financial Aid: Federal loans, payment plans
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
9. Virginia Dental Solutions
This on-site 6-week program delivers hands-on training alongside experienced dentistry professionals. Trainees gain practical experience with dental procedures, equipment, patient interactions, and lab work.
Highlights:
- 6 weeks of one-on-one, on-site training
- Small class sizes
- Training in latest dental equipment
- Official certificate upon completion
Cost: $3,500
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
10. Buford Academy Dental Assisting
This 8-week program trains students in clinical assisting, lab techniques, dental imaging, patient care, and front office administration. Graduates gain hands-on experience and connections with potential employers.
Highlights:
- 8 weeks of intensive training
- Job placement assistance
- Classes held weeknights
- Training in digital X-rays
Cost: $2,999
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% of graduates placed in dental assisting jobs or externships
11. Virginia Dental Assisting School
This school has over 20 years of experience training dental assistants through its 8-week, in-office program. Students gain practical skills working alongside dentists and assistants at state-of-the-art dental facilities.
Highlights:
- 8 weeks of hands-on training
- All materials and textbooks included
- Training in the latest dental equipment
- Guidance with job placement
Cost: $3,995
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
12. Centra Health
Centra Health offers dental assistant training across 7.5 months consisting of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Students gain expertise with dental imaging, lab procedures, patient care, and administrative tasks.
Highlights:
- 7.5 month comprehensive program
- Training at Centra Health‘s state-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunity to shadow professional dental assistants
- Access to continued education opportunities
Cost: $4,200
Financial Aid: Private student loans available
Outcome: 100% graduation rate for 2022 cohorts
13. Southside College of Health Sciences
This accredited 8-month dental assisting program delivers hands-on training in oral healthcare, qualifying graduates to pursue certification and professional dental assisting positions.
Highlights:
- 8 months of intensive industry training
- Externship experience included
- Hands-on practicum sessions
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $9,800
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% exam pass rate and job placement rate for 2022 graduates
14. Dental Assistant Institute
This 6-week accelerated program delivers intensive training for gaining the skills needed to begin a career as a dental assistant. Graduates learn all aspects of dental assisting alongside seasoned professionals.
Highlights:
- 6 weeks of one-on-one, on-site training
- Hands-on experience with real patients
- Training in digital radiography and intraoral cameras
- Job search assistance
Cost: $2,800
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% of 2022 graduates secured dental assisting jobs
15. Virginia Institute of Dental Assisting
This locally owned school has been training dental assistants for over 30 years through its 9-month program. Students gain hands-on clinical experience and assist with actual dental office responsibilities during training.
Highlights:
- 9 months of comprehensive training
- Training in dental specialties
- Radiation Health and Safety certification
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $8,900
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
16. Henrico County-Saint Mary‘s Hospital School of Practical Nursing
Aspiring dental assistants can enroll in this practical nursing program to gain medical knowledge as well as specialized dental assisting skills over 52 weeks of intensive training.
Highlights:
- 52 weeks of combined nursing and dental training
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- Training in latest dental equipment
- Guidance on certification/licensure
Cost: $11,950
Financial Aid: FAFSA approved
Outcome: 100% graduation rate for 2022 cohorts
17. Virginia Dental Assisting School
Through 8 weeks of in-office training, students gain hands-on experience performing dental assisting duties under the guidance of seasoned dentistry professionals. Graduates are fully prepared for entry-level positions.
Highlights:
- 8 weeks of on-site, hands-on training
- Small classes with personalized attention
- Training dental specialties
- Official certificate upon completion
Cost: $3,850
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
18. Orthodent Team Academy
This school focuses exclusively on orthodontic and dental assisting training through a comprehensive 5-month program. Students gain specialized experience in these fields while benefiting from small class sizes.
Highlights:
- 5 months of specialized orthodontic training
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Training in digital radiography and intraoral cameras
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $6,400
Financial Aid: Payment plans available
Outcome: 100% exam pass rate and job placement rate for 2022 graduates
19. Virginia College
Virginia College offers a dental assisting diploma program that can be completed in less than a year. The curriculum covers dental anatomy and procedures, lab techniques, patient care, radiography, and administrative responsibilities.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive training in under a year
- Externship experience with local practices
- Prepares students for DANB certification
- Job placement assistance
Cost: $17,500
Financial Aid: Federal loans, GI bill benefits
Outcome: 90% job placement rate for 2022 graduates
20. Bryant & Stratton College
The 9-month dental assisting program at Bryant & Stratton College prepares students to pursue certification and exciting careers in the dental industry. The program includes lab work, clinical training, and externships.
Highlights:
- Associate‘s degree options available
- Industry-experienced instructors
- Hands-on training with dental equipment
- Career placement assistance
Cost: $18,495
Financial Aid: Federal loans, scholarships
Outcome: 100% exam pass rate for 2022 graduates
When researching dental assisting programs in Richmond, there are several key factors to consider:
Program Length: Programs range from 6 weeks for accelerated training options to over a year if you pursue an associate‘s degree. Determine what timeline aligns best for your schedule and educational goals.
Program Type: Look for hands-on training opportunities and externships for real-world experience. Programs offering job placement assistance can also give you a valuable edge.
Cost and Financial Aid: Make sure to explore all financial aid options, including federal loans, institutional loans, GI bill benefits, payment plans, and scholarships.
Customization: Some programs offer specialization tracks focused on certain dentistry fields like orthodontics, pediatrics, or oral surgery. Customization allows you to focus on your professional interests.
Graduate Outcomes: High graduate employment rates and certification exam pass rates indicate effective, high-quality programs that prepare you for success.
By comparing factors like these as you research schools, you can find the perfect dental assisting program to match your needs, schedule, and career aspirations!