6 accredited New Mexico schools graduated 141 Dental Assistant students in 2023–24. Compare them by city below, with published costs, program length and what dental assistants earn in New Mexico.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
64 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit two-year college, the most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $18,558 for a program of about 8 months.
21 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college, the 2nd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,584 ($8,016 out of state).
Private for-profit two-year college in Albuquerque that reported 12 Dental Assistant graduates in 2023–24, the 5th-most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $20,130 for a program of about 8 months.
17 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college, the 3rd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,470 ($4,320 out of state).
16 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college, the 4th-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,644 ($5,682 out of state).
11 Dental Assistant credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,530 ($3,727 out of state).
Rules differ by state. Confirm current New Mexico requirements with the relevant state board or registry before you enroll.
We list 6 accredited New Mexico schools that graduated Dental Assistant students in 2023–24, 4 of them public. Together they awarded 141 Dental Assistant credentials that year.
2 New Mexico schools published a program price. Tuition plus books and supplies ranged from $18,558 to $20,130, with a median of $19,344. Community colleges often charge by credit hour instead, so check each school’s net price calculator.
The median dental assistant in New Mexico earns $44,400 a year ($21.35 an hour), according to BLS data for May 2025, versus $48,070 nationally. The top 10% earn $55,950 or more.
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque in Albuquerque reported the most Dental Assistant graduates in New Mexico: 64 in 2023–24.
CODA-accredited certificate programs commonly take about 9 to 11 months; associate degrees take about 2 years.
DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is the main national certification; some states require DANB exams for specific duties.