Columbus has several dental assistant training options, including 8-week, 10-week, 12-week, 9-month, and EFDA programs.
Costs range from about $2,490 to more than $12,000.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in Ohio is $39,953 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 Columbus Dental Assistant School
Columbus 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 lessons 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, dental materials, patient care, dental office basics, X-ray preparation, impressions, and career skills.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $2,490.
Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:
- Tuition: about $2,490
- 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: 13333 SW 68th Pkwy Suite 0101, Tigard, OR 97223, United States
#2 Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting
Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting is located in the Columbus area and offers a short dental assisting program for students who want hands-on training without a long college schedule.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 12-week Dental Assisting program.
Training includes chairside assisting, dental terminology, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, radiology basics, and dental office procedures.
Tuition and Cost
The total program cost is about $4,495.
Students may pay:
- Registration fee: about $125
- Books and supplies: about $200
- Amount due with enrollment agreement: about $325
- Total program cost: about $4,495
- Scrubs or uniform: ask if included
- CPR or exam fees: ask if separate
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Address: 4998 Rings Rd A, Dublin, OH 43017, United States
#3 Columbus Dental Assisting
Columbus Dental Assisting is located in Worthington and offers a short blended dental assistant program.
It is a good fit for students who want a fast Friday-only schedule with small classes.
Programs Offered
The school offers an 8-week Dental Assisting program.
The program includes about 40 hours of online classes and about 68 hours of in-person hands-on lab work.
Students also receive Ohio radiology certification preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Total tuition is about $3,975.
The cost includes:
- Registration fee: about $100
- Tuition
- Ebook
- 7-hour radiology course
- Safety glasses
Students should also budget for:
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program takes about 8 weeks.
Classes are usually held on Fridays.
Address: 55 Caren Ave, Suite 270Worthington, OH 43085
#4 First Impressions Dental Assisting
First Impressions Dental Assisting is a Columbus-area dental assistant school designed for busy adults who want a short hands-on course.
The training takes place in a dental office-style environment.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 10-week Dental Assisting course.
Training includes chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental office basics, radiology preparation, clinical instruction, and Ohio dental assisting certification preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,125.
The cost includes:
- Textbooks
- Supplies
- Materials and equipment
- 80 hours of lecture and hands-on training
- Ohio Dental Assisting Certification
- Ohio Radiology Certification
Students should ask whether CPR, uniforms, and state application fees are included.
Program Length
The program takes about 10 weeks.
Address: 8 N Liberty St #200, Powell, OH 43065, United States
#5 Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools offers dental assisting training for adult students in the Columbus area.
It is a good fit for students who want a longer classroom and lab program.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assisting program.
The program prepares students for clinical and administrative dental office work.
Training includes dental anatomy, preventive dentistry, chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, office management, dental materials, and lab skills.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $12,300 for some adult dental assisting sessions.
Students should also ask about:
- Books and supplies: about $300 to $1,000
- Uniforms: about $75 to $200
- CPR and health requirements: about $100 to $300
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program takes about 9 months.
Address: 4300 Amalgamated Pl, Groveport, OH 43125, United States
#6 The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry offers advanced dental assistant training through its EFDA program.
This is not a beginner dental assisting program, so it is best for experienced dental assistants who want expanded functions training.
Programs Offered
OSU offers an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary program.
The course prepares qualified dental assistants to apply for the Ohio EFDA board exam.
Training includes restorative dentistry, clinical skills, pre-clinical lab work, patient care, and expanded function procedures.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm current tuition before applying.
A practical EFDA budget may include:
- Course tuition: about $4,000 to $7,000
- Books and materials: about $300 to $800
- Lab supplies: about $100 to $500
- Exam or board fees: about $200 to $700
- CPR or credential updates: about $75 to $300
- Parking or transportation: varies
Program Length
The EFDA program includes more than 180 hours of training.
Address: 305 W. 12th AvenueColumbus, OH 43210
#7 Central Ohio Technical College
Central Ohio Technical College is located in Newark, about 35 to 45 miles from Columbus.
It may be a good option for Columbus-area dental assistants who want expanded functions training within commuting distance.
Programs Offered
COTC offers an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Certificate.
The program is designed for certified dental assistants who want to perform advanced restorative duties under a dentist’s supervision.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm current tuition based on residency and credit hours.
A practical budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $3,000 to $6,000
- Books and materials: about $300 to $800
- Lab supplies: about $100 to $500
- Exam or credentialing fees: about $200 to $700
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The EFDA certificate generally takes about 2 semesters.
Address: 1179 University DriveNewark, OH 43055
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
