Boston has several dental assistant training options, including 9-week university programs, 12-week dental office programs, community college certificates, and online courses.
Costs range from about $1,959 to more than $15,000.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in Massachusetts is $44,519 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston University offers a dental assisting training program through its dental school.
It is a strong option for students who want training connected to a major university dental education setting.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assisting Training Program for students who are located in Massachusetts or plan to work as dental assistants in Massachusetts.
Training includes dental terminology, chairside assisting, infection control, patient care, dental materials, radiology basics, and dental office preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Students should request the current tuition amount before enrolling.
A practical university-based budget may include:
- Tuition: about $2,500 to $5,000
- Books and materials: about $100 to $500
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
- Background check or CORI-related costs: varies
Program Length
The program is about 9 weeks.
Address: 635 Albany StreetBoston, MA 02118
#2 Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College offers one of the most affordable dental assisting options in the Boston area.
The course is based at the Chelsea Campus and is a good fit for students who want a short, lower-cost public college option.
Programs Offered
BHCC offers Dental Assisting Essentials.
The course includes classroom instruction, clinical lab training, and CPR. Students learn dental terminology, chairside assisting basics, infection control, patient care, dental office workflow, and clinical fundamentals.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $1,959.
The program includes:
- 75 classroom hours
- 30 clinical lab hours
- 1 CPR session
- 105 total instructional hours
Students may also need to budget for:
- Textbook: about $100 to $200
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
- Transportation: varies
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
Program Length
The course takes about 25 weeks.
Address: 250 New Rutherford Avenue, Boston, MA 02129
#3 Massasoit Community College
Massasoit Community College is located in Brockton, about 20 to 25 miles from Boston.
It is a strong public college option for students who want a board-approved dental assistant certificate program.
Programs Offered
Massasoit offers a Dental Assistant Certificate.
The one-year curriculum includes dental office management, dental materials, dental science, dental radiography, chairside assisting, and a clinical externship.
Tuition and Cost
Massachusetts resident tuition and fees are about $228 per credit.
A practical student budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $6,000 to $8,000, depending on credits
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,000
- Uniforms: about $100 to $300
- Health requirements and CPR: about $150 to $400
- Exam or licensing-related costs: about $200 to $700
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
Some Massachusetts residents may qualify for free community college programs, which can reduce tuition and fees significantly.
Program Length
The program takes about 1 year.
Address: 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, MA
#4 St. John Dental Assistant School
St. John Dental Assistant School is a short-term program for students who want a faster route into dental assisting.
It is useful for Boston-area students who prefer a 12-week schedule instead of a longer college program.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assistant program.
Students learn chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, dental materials, patient care, dental office basics, and career preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,650.
Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,650
- Weekly payment plans: as low as about $100 per week
- Books and supplies: ask if included
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Address: 9270 Wicker Ave, Suites E and F, St. John, IN 46373
#5 Boston Career Institute
Boston Career Institute is a career training school with multiple Massachusetts locations.
It is a good fit for students who want a short healthcare career program with a private-school format.
Programs Offered
BCI offers a Dental Assistant program.
The program includes dental terminology, chairside assisting, patient care, infection control, dental materials, office procedures, and entry-level clinical preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Students should request the current tuition sheet before enrolling.
A practical private-school budget may include:
- Tuition: about $4,000 to $7,000
- Books and supplies: about $200 to $800
- Uniforms: about $50 to $150
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150
- Registration or school fees: varies
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
Program Length
The program takes about 6 months.
Address: 320 Washington St, 4th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445
#6 Salem State University
Salem State University offers an online Clinical Dental Assistant training option through its continuing and professional studies division.
It is best for students who need flexibility and are comfortable learning online.
Programs Offered
The online Clinical Dental Assistant course covers dental anatomy, dental terminology, infection control, patient care, dental office procedures, dental records, chairside assisting basics, and exam preparation.
Because dental assisting is hands-on, students should ask how externship or clinical practice support works before enrolling.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm the current course price before enrolling.
A practical online-course budget may include:
- Course tuition: about $2,000 to $3,500
- Books and materials: ask if included
- Exam voucher: ask if included
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Scrubs or hands-on supplies: about $50 to $150 if needed
- Massachusetts dental assistant application fee: about $60
Program Length
The course is online and self-paced.
Many students should expect several months, depending on weekly study time.
Address: 331 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970
Schools Summary Table
Massachusetts Salary by Metro Area
This table provides a breakdown of average salaries by metro area, showing how wages differ across regions within the state using recent BLS data.
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | 160 | $54,510 | $26.21 | $68,220 | $46,680 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 250 | $55,040 | $26.46 | $64,630 | $47,880 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 6,820 | $57,960 | $27.87 | $71,420 | $48,740 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 130 | $52,580 | $25.28 | $61,560 | $43,230 |
| Springfield, MA | 630 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $60,740 | $45,480 |
| Worcester, MA | 940 | $54,040 | $25.98 | $62,830 | $45,700 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in Massachusetts
