Cincinnati has several dental assistant training options, including 10-week, 12-week, online, EFDA, and private career-school programs.
Costs range from about $3,450 to more than $20,000.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in Ohio is $39,953 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 Cincinnati Dental Assistant School
Cincinnati Dental Assistant School is a short-term program for students who want a fast, lower-cost route into dental assisting.
It is designed for beginners who want online coursework during the week and hands-on practice in a dental office setting.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 12-week Dental Assistant program.
Students learn chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, dental office basics, X-ray preparation, impressions, and career skills.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,450.
Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,450
- 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
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Address: 3116 US-22 Ste I, Maineville, OH 45039, United States
#2 Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy
Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy is a short dental assistant school with a blended schedule.
It is a good fit for students who want a 10-week program with both online learning and in-person clinical training.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assisting program.
The curriculum includes about 25 hours online and about 80 hours in person.
Students train in chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, radiology basics, and dental office procedures.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,675.
The cost includes:
- 10-week program tuition
- Dental supplies
- Textbook
- Scrubs and a shirt
- Radiology certification
- State application fee
Program Length
The program takes about 10 weeks.
Address: 7764 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45239
#3 ADAPT Dental Assistant School
ADAPT Dental Assistant School offers dental assistant training in the Cincinnati area, including Springdale and nearby locations.
It is a good fit for students who want a short program with a dental-focused schedule.
Programs Offered
ADAPT offers a 10-week Dental Assistant program and a 14-week Orthodontic Assistant program.
Dental assistant training includes chairside assisting, dental terminology, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, and clinical dental office skills.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm current tuition before enrolling.
A practical short-program budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,500 to $6,500
- Books and supplies: about $100 to $500
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300
- Radiology or application fees: about $100 to $500
- Registration or deposit: varies
Program Length
The Dental Assistant program takes about 10 weeks.
The Orthodontic Assistant program takes about 14 weeks.
Address: 11311 Springfield Pike, Springdale, OH 45246.
#4 Ross Medical Education Center, Cincinnati
Ross Medical Education Center is a private healthcare career school with a Cincinnati location.
It is a good fit for students who want a longer dental assistant program with classroom and hands-on clinical training.
Programs Offered
Ross offers a Dental Assistant program.
The program includes 6 modules covering dental office routines, chairside assisting, dental materials, infection control, dental radiography, patient care, dental specialties, and front office skills.
Tuition and Cost
The estimated total program cost is about $16,297.
That may include:
- Tuition: about $15,990
- Miscellaneous fees: about $307
- Books: often listed as $0 in some cost reports
- Supplies and tools: often listed as $0 in some cost reports
- NELDA exam cost: about $400 if not included
- Uniforms or personal supplies: ask if separate
Program Length
The program usually takes about 30 to 36 weeks.
Address: 11590 Century Boulevard, Suite 210, Cincinnati, OH 45246
#5 Fortis College, Cincinnati
Fortis College is a private career school in Cincinnati.
It is a good fit for students who want a longer dental assisting program with a traditional private-college structure.
Programs Offered
Fortis offers a Dental Assisting program.
Students train in chairside assisting, dental treatment room procedures, dental instruments, patient care, dental materials, infection control, office procedures, and hands-on clinical skills.
Tuition and Cost
Students should request current Cincinnati campus pricing before enrolling.
A practical private-school budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $18,000 to $22,500
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
- Uniforms and lab materials: about $100 to $500
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
- Transportation to externship: varies
Program Length
The program can usually be completed in under 1 year.
Address: 11499 Chester Road, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45246
#6 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers online dental assistant-related training through its career training division.
It is best for students who want a flexible online option rather than a traditional hands-on campus program.
Programs Offered
Cincinnati State offers an online Clinical Dental Assistant course with vouchers included.
The course covers dental anatomy, dental terminology, infection control, chairside assisting basics, radiology basics, patient care, dental records, office procedures, and exam preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm the current online course price before enrolling.
A practical budget may include:
- Course tuition: about $2,000 to $3,500
- Exam voucher: ask if included
- Books and materials: ask if included
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Scrubs or supplies: about $50 to $150 if needed
- Optional hands-on training costs: varies
Program Length
The course is online and self-paced.
Many students should expect several months to complete it, depending on weekly study time.
Address: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223
#7 UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College offers an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary certificate in the Cincinnati area.
This is best for students who already have dental assisting experience and want expanded functions training.
Programs Offered
The EFDA Certificate program prepares dental assistants for expanded function duties allowed in Ohio.
Training focuses on restorative procedures, expanded dental duties, clinical skills, dental materials, and patient care.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is based on credit hours.
A practical budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $3,000 to $6,000, depending on credits and residency
- Books and materials: about $300 to $800
- Lab supplies: about $100 to $500
- Uniforms or clinical supplies: about $50 to $200
- Exam or credentialing costs: about $200 to $700
Program Length
Students should confirm the current course sequence.
EFDA certificate programs often take 2 to 3 semesters, depending on the schedule.
Address: 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45236
Schools Summary Table
Ohio 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% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 560 | $48,900 | $23.51 | $70,090 | $36,670 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 380 | $46,080 | $22.16 | $68,550 | $34,690 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 2,190 | $55,880 | $26.86 | $78,290 | $37,300 |
| Cleveland, OH | 2,340 | $50,490 | $24.28 | $72,370 | $36,740 |
| Columbus, OH | 2,250 | $52,080 | $25.04 | $79,370 | $36,750 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 840 | $53,160 | $25.56 | $75,510 | $36,310 |
| Lima, OH | 70 | $48,440 | $23.29 | $74,270 | $34,760 |
| Mansfield, OH | 110 | $44,250 | $21.28 | $62,400 | $34,140 |
| Sandusky, OH | 70 | $47,880 | $23.02 | $71,120 | $35,430 |
| Springfield, OH | 120 | $51,040 | $24.54 | $80,700 | $35,160 |
| Toledo, OH | 690 | $48,600 | $23.37 | $73,840 | $35,980 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | 270 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $54,450 | $36,140 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in Ohio
