Updated September 2026
Dental assistant programs in Colorado, compared
Private Colorado programs typically take 8–12 weeks and cost a few thousand dollars; career colleges take about 9 months. Here's how the options stack up, and what to ask before you pay a deposit.
| School | Location | Length | Schedule | Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs Dental Assistant School | Colorado Springs | 12 weeks | Saturdays | From $3,350 |
| Colorado Dental Assisting School | Aurora (Denver), Colorado Springs | 10 weeks | Saturdays or Tue/Thu evenings | $3,995 (Colorado Springs) |
| Denver Dental Assistant School | Denver | See school | Weekend format (see school) | $3,250 paid in full |
| Academy for Dental Assisting Careers | Longmont, Greeley | 8 weeks | Hybrid online + hands-on in dental practices | Ask the school |
| Pima Medical Institute (Dental Assistant certificate) | Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs | About 9 months | Campus-based, includes externship | Ask the school (financial aid available) |
| Concorde Career College (Dental Assistant) | Denver | As little as 8–9 months | Campus-based (Denver campus, formerly Aurora) | Ask the school (financial aid available) |
*As published on each school's website, checked September 17, 2026. Listing a school doesn't mean we partner with it.
By city: Denver & Front Range · Colorado Springs. New to this? Read how to choose a school.
Short programs vs. college certificates
Private occupational schools run short, hands-on programs, often on weekends. Community colleges offer longer certificate programs that may be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and lead more directly to DANB's CDA exam. Colorado doesn't license dental assistants, so either route can get you hired. The right choice depends on your time, budget, and long-term goals.
10 questions to ask any program
- Is the school approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (Private Occupational School Board)?
- Does tuition include the radiography (x-ray) training Colorado requires?
- How many hours are hands-on, and are they with real patients?
- Is there an externship, and do you place me?
- Are CPR/BLS, scrubs, books and exam fees included?
- What's the total cost, and what payment plans are available?
- What is the refund policy if I withdraw?
- What percentage of graduates are working as dental assistants 6 months later?
- Who are the instructors, and are they currently working in dentistry?
- Can I talk to a recent graduate?
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