If you’re a compassionate person who enjoys helping others, a career as a dental assistant may be for you.
A pivotal worker in the healthcare field, dental assistants help dentists with many tasks throughout the day, ensuring patients get the best possible care.
Trade Schools & Online Training Programs
Those who want to start their career as a dental assistant will need to complete a post-secondary certification to qualify for many jobs.
Many Illinois trade schools, vocational colleges, and community colleges offer state-approved classes and programs that can help individuals reach their goals.
How Will This Program Help Me?
One of the main outcomes of this course is to prepare you for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exams by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
How Much Does It Cost?
The program will cost around 2k to finish (financing available though). Bear in mind that other state-certified programs can cost over 6k to complete.
How Long Does It Take?
6 to 12 months depending on your schedule. Other dental assistant programs can take around 18 months.
What Do You Study?
During these programs, students learn the ins and outs of being a dental assistant. Some classes that dental assistants make take during the coursework are:
- Dental Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Radiography
- Chairside Assisting Techniques
- Computer Applications
- Dental Materials
- Practice Management
Hands-On Training
Students can learn in person from industry experts in classroom settings as well as get hands-on training in a clinical setting as part of their training.
Additional Local Schools
- Chicago
- Harwood Heights, Homewood, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Rockford
- Springfield, East Peoria, Moline
- Chicago, Evergreen Park, Naperville
Dental Academy of Chicago (Rating: 4.0 of 5)
10 certificate program to become an Administrative Dental Assistant. 12 week program for 12 week course for Chairside Dental Assistant.
Illinois Health Careers
Illinois Health Careers' Dental Assisting certificate is a short evening course: 20 sessions of 2.5 hours, about 50 hours over roughly 10 weeks, taught on two weekday evenings a week. The catalog points graduates to the AMT or DANB exams and lists no clinical placement. A separate Saturday Orthodontic Assisting certificate adds a 20-hour internship. Tuition is $3,500 plus a $150 book and online-platform fee and a $210 admin fee in the 2026 catalog, the same at every location.
Midwest Technical Institute
MTI's Dental Assisting diploma takes 35 weeks: 765 clock hours, including a 225-hour externship in a dental office, plus 135 outside hours. Classes run in the daytime, Monday to Thursday. Students must take the Dental Assisting National Board's Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams. It enrolls at MTI's three Illinois campuses; the Springfield, MO campus stopped taking new dental students under changes announced in September 2026. An undated Illinois workNet listing for the Springfield, IL campus gives about $15,800.
Midwestern Career College
Midwestern's Dental Assisting certificate takes 60 weeks over three terms and ends with a 300-hour externship. It prepares students for American Medical Technologists' Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential, a national certification rather than a state licence. It is taught only at the Evergreen Park campus. The newest tuition sheet the school lists (Winter 2026) gives $6,300 per full-time term for the first two terms and $5,300 for the third, and the school supplies a laptop and e-books.
Illinois Dental Assistant Requirements
In the state of Illinois, a dental assistant may complete basic, entry-level procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist without receiving any formal training or education. However, many employers will still prefer that you have a certification.
In order to work as a qualified dental assistant in expanded functions, certain criteria must be met.
Earning a Certification
While not always necessary for gaining entry-level employment, earning your certification is an excellent way to get the necessary education and training to become a dental assistant.
Attending a Dental Assistant Program
State-approved programs offer students a convenient path to reach their career goals. Attending a dental assistant program allows you to learn from industry experts and receive helpful guidance every step of the way. In-person programs allow you to get experience in real-world settings, while some Illinois programs offer externships to qualified students.
Dental Assistant Salaries in IL
The average dental assistant salary in Illinois is around 46k.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Location | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $20.07 | $41,740 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $17.73 | $36,890 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $19.96 | $41,510 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $20.83 | $43,330 |
| Decatur | $19.49 | $40,540 |
| East Central Illinois | $20.47 | $42,570 |
| Kankakee | $17.66 | $36,740 |
| Northwest Illinois | $20.25 | $42,130 |
| Peoria | $19.71 | $41,000 |
| Rockford | $20.37 | $42,360 |
| South Illinois | $19.97 | $41,540 |
| Springfield | $19.33 | $40,210 |
| West Central Illinois | $20.27 | $42,160 |
Occupation: Dental Assistants(SOC Code319091)
source: data.bls.gov
Where Do Dental Assistants in Illinois Earn the Most Money?
Highest Salaries in the Chicago Area
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has the highest reported salary at $20.83/hr ($43,330 annually). This is expected given the high demand for dental services and the higher cost of living in the Chicago metro area.
Consistently Competitive Salaries in Central and Northwest Illinois
Several regions, including East Central Illinois ($20.47/hr, $42,570), Northwest Illinois ($20.25/hr, $42,130), and Rockford ($20.37/hr, $42,360), offer above-average salaries for the state.
This suggests that dental assistants in these areas are in demand, possibly due to fewer available workers or a strong local healthcare industry.
Job Description
Dental assistants play an important role in the day-to-day operations of a dentist’s office. These workers help with things like patient care, recordkeeping, and scheduling appointments.
What Do They Do?
A typical dental assistant will complete the following tasks throughout their day:
- Ensure that the patient is comfortable in the dental chair
- Get the patient and work area prepped for the upcoming treatment or procedure
- Sterilize all dental instruments and tools
- Assist the dentist during the procedure
- Dry the patient’s mouth using a suction hose and/or other equipment
- Talk to the patient about proper oral hygiene
- Under the direction of a dentist, process the X-rays and complete lab tasks
- Recordkeeping
- Schedule appointments with patients
- Work with patients on billing and payment
What Employers in Illinois Look for in a Dental Assistant
Employers across Illinois seek dental assistants with a mix of clinical expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and a patient-focused approach.
While some positions are entry-level with training opportunities, others require certifications and prior experience. Many employers prefer expanded function skills, the ability to work with advanced dental technology, and bilingual communication skills for better patient care.
Key Qualifications and Certifications
Experience Levels Vary by Employer
- Entry-level positions: Some practices, such as Aspen Dental (Mount Vernon) and Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry (Frankfort), are open to hiring candidates from related healthcare fields (e.g., medical assistants or veterinary assistants) and providing training.
- Experienced dental assistants: Practices like Mynt Dental (Bolingbrook) and Couri Dental Group (Peoria) require at least one year of prior experience, while Dental Designers (Rockford) looks for candidates with strong chairside assisting skills.
Coronal Polishing and Sealant Certification Preferred
- Employers like Innovative Pediatric Dentistry (Naperville) expect dental assistants to hold coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealant certifications to enhance patient care.
- Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry (Frankfort) is willing to help candidates obtain certifications, making it a good option for those looking to advance their skills.
X-Ray Certification is Highly Desired
- Employers such as Couri Dental Group (Peoria), Smile Partners (Oak Brook), and Aspen Dental (Mount Vernon) require dental assistants to take digital x-rays for diagnostic purposes.
- Some positions, like Express Healthcare Staffing (Libertyville), encourage on-the-job training to obtain radiology certification.
Dental Software Knowledge is a Plus
- Practices using advanced technology, such as Innovative Pediatric Dentistry (Naperville), prefer candidates familiar with Curve Hero dental software.
- Mynt Dental (Bolingbrook) and Oakbrook Dental Group (Oak Brook) seek experience with Dentrix for scheduling and patient management.
Clinical Responsibilities and Specializations
Illinois dental assistants work in general, pediatric, and specialty practices, assisting dentists in various procedures and patient education.
Common responsibilities include:
✔ Chairside Assistance – Assisting dentists with procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and crowns (Oakbrook Dental Group, Smile Partners, Mynt Dental).
✔ Radiography – Taking and developing x-rays to support diagnoses (Couri Dental Group, Aspen Dental, Dental Designers).
✔ Patient Education – Teaching proper brushing and oral hygiene techniques (Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, Express Healthcare Staffing).
✔ Sterilization & Infection Control – Following OSHA and CDC guidelines to maintain a clean and safe environment (Express Healthcare Staffing, Smile Partners).
Some dental assistants are also expected to perform expanded duties, such as:
✔ Coronal polishing and sealant placement (Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry).
✔ Fabrication of temporary crowns and impression taking (Couri Dental Group, Mynt Dental).
Patient Care and Customer Service
Employers emphasize strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to work with different patient populations. This is particularly true for pediatric and high-volume practices, such as:
- Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry (Frankfort) and Innovative Pediatric Dentistry (Naperville) require assistants who are patient, compassionate, and skilled at handling children, including those with dental anxiety.
- Aspen Dental (Mount Vernon) and Express Healthcare Staffing (Libertyville) highlight the importance of clear communication and patient education to ensure a comfortable experience.
- Mynt Dental (Bolingbrook) and Dental Designers (Rockford) expect dental assistants to maintain a professional and welcoming demeanor in fast-paced environments.
Crossover into Other Healthcare Fields
Some Illinois dental practices hire candidates from related medical backgrounds, recognizing transferable skills in patient care. For example:
✔ Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry (Frankfort) welcomes medical assistants, veterinary assistants, and paraprofessionals, offering training for those transitioning into dentistry.
✔ Aspen Dental (Mount Vernon) provides paid training to help entry-level candidates become radiology and safety-certified.
✔ Express Healthcare Staffing (Libertyville) seeks dental assistants with medical terminology knowledge, highlighting crossover potential between dental and general healthcare settings.
Work Environment and Compensation
Dental assistants in Illinois work in private practices, corporate clinics, and specialty offices. Work environments range from small, patient-focused teams to high-volume, multi-location dental groups.
- Flexible Scheduling – Positions range from full-time roles with benefits (Mynt Dental, Express Healthcare Staffing, Smile Partners) to temporary contract work (Express Healthcare Staffing).
- Competitive Pay – Salaries generally range from $17 – $23 per hour, with some practices offering bonuses and incentives (Dental Designers, Couri Dental Group, Aspen Dental).
- Benefits Packages – Some employers, like Mynt Dental and Express Healthcare Staffing, offer 401(k), health insurance, and paid time off.
Conclusion
Illinois employers seek dental assistants with clinical skills, certifications, and strong patient-care abilities. While some positions offer on-the-job training, others require prior experience and advanced certifications in expanded functions and radiology.
Pediatric-focused roles require patience and compassion, while high-tech offices look for candidates familiar with digital dental software. Candidates from other healthcare fields may find opportunities to transition into dentistry, particularly in entry-level roles with training support.
Whether in private practices, corporate offices, or pediatric clinics, dental assistants in Illinois play a critical role in patient care, practice efficiency, and overall oral health education.