Dental Assistant Program Colorado Springs Overview
Dental assistant programs in Colorado Springs typically run 9 to 12 months for a certificate or diploma, while associate degree options take about 2 years. The main providers include Pikes Peak Community College and National American University Colorado Springs campuses, which offer accredited coursework in chairside assisting, radiography, and infection control. Programs usually require a high school diploma or GED, and some schools list prerequisite courses in biology or health sciences. The Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners sets the certification standards for dental assistants in the state. Forbes reports that short-term healthcare certificate programs remain among the fastest routes into stable allied health careers.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Details
Tuition for dental assistant training in Colorado Springs ranges from about $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the institution and credential level. Pikes Peak Community College lists in-district tuition around $4,000 for the full certificate, while out-of-district and private school rates are higher. Students can use federal financial aid if the program is Title IV eligible, and many schools also accept Colorado Workforce Development grants and scholarships. Enrollment typically opens in spring and fall, with class sizes ranging from 15 to 30 students per cohort. SEC filings from publicly traded education companies show that allied health programs often have higher completion rates than broader liberal arts tracks.
Certification, Externships, and Job Outlook
Colorado requires dental assistants performing expanded functions to complete an accredited program and pass a state or national exam. Most programs include a clinical externship at local dental offices, clinics, or specialty practices in the Colorado Springs metro area. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assistant employment to grow faster than average through the next decade, driven by aging populations and expanded preventive care. Graduates from Colorado Springs programs can find roles in private practices, group clinics, and specialty offices such as orthodontics and oral surgery. BLS data shows median annual wages for dental assistants in Colorado above the national median. DANB offers the Certified Dental Assistant credential recognized by many employers in the region.