2 accredited schools across the Reno metro area trained 65 dental assistants in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
This public four-year institution in Washoe County graduated 45 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24, the 3rd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $2,772 ($10,871 out of state).
20 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit career school. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $16,734 for a program of about 9 months.
2 accredited schools in the Reno, NV metro area graduated 65 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24. The largest was Truckee Meadows Community College with 45.
Among schools that published a program price, Milan Institute-Sparks in Sparks listed the lowest total: $16,734 for tuition, books and supplies.
Dental Assistants in the Reno, NV metro earn a median $48,400 a year ($23.27/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $47,110 statewide and $48,070 nationally.
CODA-accredited certificate programs commonly take about 9 to 11 months; associate degrees take about 2 years.