Dental assistant schools in Illinois
We found 14 schools offering dental assistant training in Illinois, with campuses in Chicago, Elgin, Crystal Lake, and Normal and more. Dental assistants in Illinois earn a median $48,610 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 14
- Public colleges
- 7
- Median pay in IL
- $48,610
- Cities with schools
- 11
Dental assistant schools by city
- Chicago (4 within 30 mi)
- Naperville (4 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (3 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (4 within 30 mi)
- Evanston (4 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (6 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (3 within 30 mi)
- Romeoville (3 within 30 mi)
- DeKalb (3 within 30 mi)
- McHenry (5 within 30 mi)
- Belvidere (3 within 30 mi)
What dental assistants earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Dental assistant salary in IllinoisHow to become a dental assistant
- Median pay
- $48,610
- $23.37 an hour
- Typical range
- $37,360–$59,910
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 13,740
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +7.4%
- 53,000 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near Illinois
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.
- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many dental assistant schools are in Illinois?
We list 14 schools in Illinois with dental assistant programs: 7 public colleges, 1 private nonprofit school, and 6 private career schools. Campuses are in Chicago, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Normal, and Oglesby.
Are there community college dental assistant programs in Illinois?
Yes. 7 public colleges in Illinois offer dental assistant. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does dental assistant school cost in Illinois?
Among the 13 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $2,232 to $30,833. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do dental assistants make in Illinois?
The median pay for dental assistants in Illinois is $48,610 a year, and most earn between $37,360 and $59,910, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a dental assistant school in Illinois?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in Illinois
- Cosmetology schools (64)
- IT schools (44)
- Criminal justice programs (44)
- Welding schools (44)
- CNA classes (42)
- Medical assistant schools (39)
- Auto mechanic schools (38)
- LPN programs (36)
- EMT and paramedic schools (36)
- Industrial maintenance schools (36)
- Medical billing and coding schools (34)
- Esthetician schools (32)
- HVAC schools (31)
- Drafting schools (30)
- Radiology tech schools (25)
- Phlebotomy classes (24)
Dental assistant schools in other states
- California (83)
- Florida (38)
- Ohio (35)
- Texas (33)
- Michigan (22)
- North Carolina (20)
- Georgia (18)
- Tennessee (18)
- Arizona (17)
- Pennsylvania (16)
- Washington (15)
- Wisconsin (14)
- Minnesota (13)
- Colorado (12)
- Indiana (11)
- Louisiana (11)