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Best Dental Assistant Training Programs & Trade Schools - Top Dental Assistant Schools in Tennessee for 2026

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Table of Contents

What can I expect from dental assistant trade schools in Tennessee?

Enrolling in a dental assistant trade school program in Tennessee means committing to around eight months of full-time study, typically totaling about 864 clock hours, though some part-time options, like those at TCAT Pulaski, offer shorter durations near 175 clock hours. Graduates often describe a balanced experience combining classroom learning and hands-on practice, beginning with lessons on dental anatomy, radiology, and infection control.

Students engage with simulation models and mannequins before advancing to real clinical settings, where they assist dentists by preparing instruments, sterilizing equipment, and supporting various procedures. Many recall the satisfaction of helping patients understand oral care, a skill emphasized alongside administrative tasks such as scheduling and managing records.

Popular Tennessee programs emphasize accreditation by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring graduates qualify to become Registered Dental Assistants. Those who have completed these programs often highlight the supportive learning environment and the confidence gained from diverse clinical experiences, preparing them for roles in both general and specialty dental practices across the state.

Where can I work after finishing dental assistant trade schools in Tennessee?

Graduates of dental assistant trade school programs in Tennessee typically find employment across a broad spectrum of dental care settings, reflecting the state's diverse healthcare landscape. Many alumni from well-known trade schools in Nashville and Memphis report starting their careers in private dental offices, where they assist licensed dentists in general, pediatric, or specialty clinics such as orthodontics and oral surgery. These roles often involve hands-on tasks like taking X-rays, polishing teeth, and managing patient records, which graduates feel well-prepared for due to their program training.

Others have successfully joined public health clinics and local health departments, contributing to community oral health initiatives. For example, some graduates work with the Tennessee Department of Health, providing dental screenings and preventive care in underserved areas-a rewarding experience that many describe as impactful and fulfilling.

Trade school graduates also pursue positions in corporate dental chains or mobile dental units, enjoying structured career growth and the chance to serve schools and businesses statewide. With over 380 job openings reported in 2025 and hourly wages between $18 and $35, these career paths offer both stability and opportunity.

Best Dental Assistant Training Programs & Trade Schools - Top Dental Assistant Schools in Tennessee for 2026

# 1 position

Chattanooga State Community College - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

associate

Chattanooga State Community College offers a Hybrid Dental Assisting/Assistant program that prepares students for patient care, dental radiographs, and office administrative duties under dentist supervision. The curriculum includes medical record-keeping, scheduling, equipment maintenance, sterilization, and chairside assisting. Annual in-state tuition is $4,550. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,227 one year after completion. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

# 2 position

Chattanooga State Community College - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Chattanooga State Community College is a hybrid course designed to prepare students for patient care, dental radiographs, and office administrative duties under dental professionals' supervision. It covers medical record-keeping, equipment maintenance, radiography, chairside assisting, and patient care. The program's annual in-state tuition is $4,550, and graduates earn a median salary of $40,227 one year after completion. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

# 3 position

Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

associate

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and Technical Careers offers a hybrid format with some distance education. It prepares students to assist dentists and hygienists through patient care, dental radiographs, office duties, and equipment maintenance. The program covers medical record-keeping, scheduling, sterilization, chairside assisting, and supervised practice. Annual in-state tuition is $10,690. Median earnings one year after completion are $29,984. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

# 4 position

Remington College-Nashville Campus - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Remington College-Nashville Campus is a hybrid course designed to prepare students for patient care, dental radiographs, and office administrative tasks under dentist supervision. It includes training in medical record-keeping, equipment maintenance, chairside assisting, and supervised practice. The annual in-state tuition is $21,230, and median earnings one year after completion are $21,721. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

# 5 position

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville offers hybrid learning with some distance education. It trains students in patient care, dental radiographs, office administration, and chairside assisting under professional supervision. Instruction covers medical record-keeping, scheduling, equipment sterilization, and basic radiography. Graduates earn a median income of $25,189 one year after completion. The program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

# 6 position

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville offers a hybrid format with some distance-education options. It prepares students to provide patient care, take dental radiographs, assist chairside, and manage office administrative tasks under supervision. Instruction covers medical record-keeping, equipment maintenance, sterilization, scheduling, and supervised practice. The program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

# 7 position

Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville offers a hybrid format with some distance education. It trains students to provide patient care, take dental radiographs, assist chairside, and handle office administrative tasks under supervision. Instruction includes medical record-keeping, equipment maintenance, sterilization, and patient intake. Graduates earn a median salary of $25,352 one year after completion. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

# 8 position

Northeast State Community College - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

associate

Northeast State Community College offers a Dental Assisting/Assistant program with a hybrid format, allowing some distance education. The curriculum trains students in patient care, dental radiographs, equipment preparation, and office administrative tasks under supervision. Instruction covers medical record-keeping, scheduling, equipment maintenance, sterilization, radiography, chairside assisting, and supervised practical experience. Annual in-state tuition is $4,542. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

# 9 position

Northeast State Community College - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

The Dental Assisting/Assistant program at Northeast State Community College offers a hybrid format with some distance-education options. It prepares students to provide patient care, take dental radiographs, assist with dental procedures, and manage office administrative tasks under professional supervision. The curriculum includes medical record-keeping, equipment maintenance, sterilization, chairside assisting, and supervised practice. Annual in-state tuition is $4,542. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

# 10 position

South College - Dental Assisting/Assistant.

certificate or diploma

South College offers a hybrid Dental Assisting/Assistant program that prepares students to provide patient care, take dental radiographs, and assist with dental procedures under supervision. The curriculum includes medical record-keeping, office duties, scheduling, equipment maintenance, sterilization, radiography, and chairside assisting. Annual in-state tuition is $17,935. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions about dental assistant

How to prepare for the job market after completing dental assistant trade school in Tennessee?

After completing a dental assistant trade school in Tennessee, preparing for the job market involves several key steps. First, obtaining certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can significantly improve job prospects, as many employers prefer or require Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs). Tennessee does not mandate state licensure for dental assistants, but certification demonstrates professional competence.

Networking is crucial. Joining local dental associations, such as the Tennessee Dental Association, can provide job leads and professional development opportunities. Additionally, practical experience through externships or internships during training often leads to job offers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants in Tennessee earn a median wage of about $38,000 annually, with employment expected to grow faster than average through 2031. Staying updated with continuing education enhances skills and employability in this evolving field.

What are the top skills employers look for in dental assistant trade school graduates in Tennessee?

Employers in Tennessee seek dental assistant graduates who demonstrate strong clinical skills and a solid understanding of dental procedures. Competence in chairside assisting, infection control, and radiography is essential, as these tasks form the core responsibilities in most dental offices.

Additionally, effective communication skills are highly valued. Dental assistants must interact clearly with patients and dental teams, ensuring comfort and efficient workflow.

According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, attention to detail and the ability to follow strict safety protocols are critical for job performance and patient care.

Proficiency in using dental software and managing administrative duties also gives candidates an advantage in the competitive job market.

How to find internships in Tennessee relevant to a dental assistant trade school program?

Finding internships in Tennessee relevant to dental assistant trade school programs involves several practical steps. Start by consulting your trade school's career services office, as many schools maintain partnerships with local dental offices and clinics. These partnerships often provide direct internship opportunities for students.

The Tennessee Board of Dentistry regulates dental assistants and may offer resources or lists of approved training sites. Checking with local dental societies, such as the Tennessee Dental Association, can also connect you to internship openings.

Online job platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn sometimes list dental assistant internships specific to Tennessee, offering a broader search scope. Networking within your community and attending dental health events may reveal unadvertised positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee's growing dental care sector increases internship availability, particularly in urban centers like Nashville and Memphis.

How does a dental assistant trade school diploma influence career mobility and advancement in Tennessee?

Obtaining a dental assistant trade school diploma in Tennessee significantly enhances career mobility and advancement opportunities. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reports a steady growth in dental assistant jobs, with a projected 9% increase from 2022 to 2032. This growth underscores the demand for certified professionals.

A diploma from an accredited program meets state requirements for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure, a crucial step for eligibility to perform expanded duties like radiography. Holding this credential often leads to higher wages and broader job prospects within dental offices across Tennessee.

Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with formal education, as it reflects both skill competence and commitment to the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants with postsecondary certificates earn a median annual wage approximately 15% higher than those without formal training.

What part-time job opportunities in Tennessee can complement dental assistant trade school education?

Part-time job opportunities in Tennessee that complement dental assistant trade school education often include roles within dental offices and healthcare settings. Many students find positions as dental receptionists or sterilization technicians, which build relevant skills like patient communication and infection control. These jobs provide practical experience alongside classroom learning.

Dental assistant positions themselves may be available on a part-time basis, especially in busy clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee employs over 5,000 dental assistants, with a median hourly wage around $18.50, suggesting demand for these roles.

Other options include working in medical offices or pharmacies, where students can develop familiarity with healthcare environments and administrative tasks. Such experience supports their future dental assistant careers by enhancing organizational and interpersonal skills.

Are there Best Dental Assistant degree program near me in Tennessee?

There are several dental assistant degree programs available near Tennessee that provide excellent educational opportunities. Various colleges and universities offer accredited programs, ensuring comprehensive training in dental assisting. To find the best programs "near me," Research.com is a helpful resource for reviewing program rankings and detailed information about specific institutions.

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