How to Become a Dental Assistant in Colorado Springs
Demand for qualified dental assistants is high everywhere, including the scenic mountain town of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Located on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, this city is close to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and other areas of natural beauty. Outdoor recreation is a major pastime here.
As a dental assistant in Colorado Springs, you can expect to enjoy the great outdoors and a rewarding career. You’ll help dentists with patients, perform X-rays, organize the office and perform clerical duties. Check out the requirements for becoming a dental assistant in Colorado here.
Dental Assistant Schools in Colorado Springs
Dental assistant training programs in Colorado are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There is one CODA-approved program in Colorado Springs but also other options.
- Pikes Peak Community College. The dental assisting program here is accredited by CODA and is offered at the school’s Rampart Range campus on the north side of Colorado Springs. The campus is located near parks and outdoor recreational areas as well as the U.S. Air Force Academy. Students in this program will be prepared to become certified dental assistants and benefit from clinical experience in their second years.
- Colorado Dental Assisting School. For a shorter program that is not accredited by CODA, students in the area can complete the 10-week course at the Colorado Dental Assisting School. Tuition is just $3,995 for the Colorado Springs campus. The campus is in a stunning location right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. Students enjoy easy access to parks and hiking trails.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Jobs for dental assistants are growing in number throughout Colorado. Expect to see 18.5 percent growth through 2026 and more than a thousand more jobs available in the coming years in the state.
In Colorado Springs, the average annual salary for a qualified dental assistant is $35,520, and the average hourly rate is $16.95. The top-earning dental assistants in the area make an average of $48,440 per year.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is has a population of 465,101 and more than 700,000 in the entire metropolitan area. There will be plenty of job opportunities here in the coming years for graduates of dental assistant programs. Working here, you will be a mile or more above sea level, enjoying a great career and the natural beauty of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
See also:
Dental Assistant Schools in Denver
Dental Assistant Schools in Aurora