SMART INVESTMENT

How Much Does Dental Assistant School Really Cost?

See how Tacoma Dental Assistant School compares on cost, time, and return on investment — and how you can graduate debt-free.

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Get Your Personalized Cost Breakdown

Apply today and we'll walk you through tuition, payment plans, and financial options.

Weeks to Graduate
12
Total Tuition
$3,890
Next Start Date
March 7, 2026
Down Payment as Low As
$450

Cost Comparison: Your Options

When it comes to becoming a dental assistant, you have choices. But not all paths offer the same value. Here's how the numbers compare:

Feature Tacoma Dental Assistant School Community College University Program
Tuition $3,890 $10,000-$20,000 $15,000-$30,000+
Time to Career 12 weeks 1-2 years 2-4 years
Student Loan Debt $0 $5,000-$15,000 $15,000-$40,000+
Payment Plans Yes — flexible weekly payments Semester billing Semester billing
Earning Sooner In 12 weeks In 1-2 years In 2-4 years

The Real Cost of Waiting

Every month you spend in a longer program is a month you're not earning a dental assistant salary. Dental assistants in the U.S. earn a median salary of $46,540 per year. By completing your training in 12 weeks instead of 1-2 years, you could earn $46,000+ more during the time others are still in school.

Flexible Payment Plans

We offer payment plans that work with your budget — no student loans needed.

Pay in Full

Pay $3,890 upfront and save on payment plan fees. This is the most popular option for students who want to keep costs as low as possible.

Weekly Payment Plan

Start with a deposit of $450 and make manageable weekly payments. No credit checks, no interest — just a simple plan that fits your budget.

WIOA Funding May Be Available

Tacoma Dental Assistant School is approved for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. If you qualify, your tuition may be partially or fully covered through government workforce development programs. Learn more about WIOA eligibility.

What Are Our Students Saying?
Google Google 4.9 (33)
SO FAR THE CLASS IS AMAZING! The hands on looks so fun more than stressful and classes aren’t really much of weight on ur back! Teacher was great energy off the roof ! Definitely feels like an environment I’d stay in. Sent from my iPhone Read less
SO FAR THE CLASS IS AMAZING! The hands on looks so fun more than stressful and classes aren’t really much of weight on ur back! Teacher was great energy off the roof ! Definitely feels like an envi... Read more
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tunaye mohamed
Stars for review
I had Stephiany! She was great very sweet and nicely always helps! This program has gotten me ready for this job!
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Elizabeth J
Stars for review
Amanda and Breanna were my two instructors. I appreciated their willingness to not sugar coat things. I loved the small class size with 5 students. They were always willing to work 1 on 1 durring skills lab on Saturdays. I liked how when we'd all break away for our different labs both instructors were regularly making their rounds and stopping to demonstrate. The instructors would frequently ask us what online HW we were struggling with so we could do that lab 1st in the morning. I liked hearing about the offices they work in when they would share it. I feel it was relevant and helped me when I was looking for my new office after graduation. Thank you. Read less
Amanda and Breanna were my two instructors. I appreciated their willingness to not sugar coat things. I loved the small class size with 5 students. They were always willing to work 1 on 1 durring ... Read more
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pineapplebutterscotch
Stars for review
I’m very appreciative of this school and the opportunities that it’s provided me for growth in the field . If you ever get the chance to speak with Mrs . Karen she is great and has made a huge a impact on the way I push towards this goal of becoming a dental assistant it’s an awesome program with a lot to offer for someone just beginning like myself. Read less
I’m very appreciative of this school and the opportunities that it’s provided me for growth in the field . If you ever get the chance to speak with Mrs . Karen she is great and has made a huge a im... Read more
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Keia keia Duh
Stars for review
I’m an instructor at this school and it is such a good program I have really enjoyed teaching here!
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Stephany Peraza
Stars for review
Teacher Kaylee was a great teacher, she was kind and spoke to us with respect! Always happy to help and hear our concerns. Her kindness and bubbly attitude made the class super enjoyable. She was great at explaining everything and I learned a lot from her! Read less
Teacher Kaylee was a great teacher, she was kind and spoke to us with respect! Always happy to help and hear our concerns. Her kindness and bubbly attitude made the class super enjoyable. She was g... Read more
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Molisha
Stars for review
Great experience great teachers
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Hilda Castro
Stars for review
Great Dental Assisting Program!! I always felt welcomed. Teacher Jessica is amazing. She’s very helpful and friendly. Always making sure we understood procedure and instruments.
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Lizbeth Guzman
Stars for review
Teacher Jessica was the best teacher. The way she taught and made sure we studied and also she made sure we where understanding the concept. She was very helpful ever since day one! Thanks to teacher Jessica I feel confident as a dental assistant with the program! Read less
Teacher Jessica was the best teacher. The way she taught and made sure we studied and also she made sure we where understanding the concept. She was very helpful ever since day one! Thanks to teach... Read more
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Magdalena Velazquez
Stars for review
I had such a good experience here instructor Jessica was so informative if it wasn’t for her I would of gave up!!! And they had Saturday classes which was awesome because I worked M-F! I have now been assisting for 4 years got certified in 2019!!! Read less
I had such a good experience here instructor Jessica was so informative if it wasn’t for her I would of gave up!!! And they had Saturday classes which was awesome because I worked M-F! I have now b... Read more
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Jenni Virrueta Rodriguez
Stars for review
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