Jonathan BensonIf you’re looking to start a career in dentistry in Cincinnati — whether as a dental hygienist, dental assistant, or pursuing a residency in advanced dental care — you’re in the right place. Cincinnati may not have a traditional DDS program in the city, but it offers top-quality dental training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in oral health.
From certificate programs and associate degrees to specialized residencies, this guide breaks down the top 10 dental programs in Cincinnati, their tuition costs, and what makes each program stand out.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Cincinnati And Fees
1. University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College (Dental Hygiene Program)
The Dental Hygiene Program at UC Blue Ash College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. It prepares students for licensure and provides extensive hands-on clinical training at the college’s dental clinic. Accredited by the CODA, it’s ideal for those seeking a professional dental career.
Highlights:
- Accredited dental hygiene program with strong clinical focus
- Real-world experience in an on-campus dental clinic
- Personalized learning with small class sizes
Tuition & Fees: ~$14,764/year (residents may have financial aid options)
Career Paths: Dental hygienist in private practices, public health clinics, or corporate dental offices.
2. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati State provides programs in dental assisting and support services, offering practical skills for careers in dental offices. While it doesn’t award a DDS, it is a stepping stone to advanced dental education.
Highlights:
- Hands-on labs for dental support skills
- Associate degrees for career-ready dental assistants
- Affordable tuition for entry-level programs
Tuition & Fees: ~$4,000–$6,000
Career Paths: Certified dental assistant, clinic support staff, or continuing education toward dental hygiene.
3. Cincinnati Dental Assisting School
The Cincinnati Dental Assisting School is a specialized school offering certificate programs for students seeking rapid entry into the workforce.
Highlights:
- Accelerated training program
- Practical clinical and administrative skills
- Affordable tuition with flexible payment plans
Tuition & Fees: ~$3,450
Career Paths: Entry-level dental assistant or administrative roles in dental offices.
4. Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy
Focused on workforce readiness, the Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy trains students in clinical dental assisting skills. The Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy focuses on workforce readiness, training students in clinical dental assisting skills for careers in dental offices and clinics. Students gain hands-on experience in chairside assisting, radiography, and lab procedures, preparing for entry-level positions and certification.
Highlights:
- Hands-on clinical curriculum
- Includes all necessary supplies and textbooks
- Flexible payment options
Tuition & Fees: ~$3,500–$3,675
Career Paths: Dental assistant positions in private practice and clinics.
5. UC Health – Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency
This residency is for dental school graduates seeking advanced clinical experience. Residents gain exposure to complex cases in a hospital-based setting.
Highlights:
- Postdoctoral training with real-world experience
- Stipend provided; no tuition
- Exposure to oral surgery, anesthesia, and special patient care
Tuition & Fees: $0 + stipend ~$65,000/year
Career Paths: Leadership or advanced clinical positions in dentistry.
6. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Dentistry Residency
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Dentistry Residency trains dentists to specialize in children’s oral health, focusing on medically complex cases. Residents gain hands-on experience in treating children with special needs, preparing them for certification and careers in pediatric dentistry.
Highlights:
- Two-year CODA-accredited program
- Stipend ~$68,000+
- High-level clinical exposure in specialty clinics
Tuition & Fees: Stipend paid, no tuition
Career Paths: Pediatric dentistry specialist in hospitals, private practices, or academic institutions.
7. University of Cincinnati – EFDA Certificate Program
The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate allows dental assistants to perform advanced procedures under supervision.
Highlights:
- Restorative dental procedures training
- Enhances career opportunities and salary potential
- Combines well with dental assisting or hygiene credentials
Tuition & Fees: Varies by credit hours
Career Paths: Advanced dental assistant roles or specialized practice work.
8. Fortis College – Dental Assisting
Fortis College’s Dental Assisting program provides career-focused training with hands-on experience, preparing students for entry-level positions in dental offices and clinics. The program focuses on practical skills like chairside assisting, radiography, and lab procedures, leading to certification and job placement.
Highlights:
- Career-focused, hands-on training
- Job placement support
- Part of broader healthcare curriculum
Tuition & Fees: ~$20,000+
Career Paths: Entry-level dental assistant, administrative roles in clinics.
9. Ross Medical Education Center – Dental Assistant Program
Ross Medical Education Center offers career-ready dental assistant training, focusing on both clinical and administrative skills.
Highlights:
- Practical dental assisting curriculum
- Job placement assistance
- Flexible schedules for students
Tuition & Fees: ~$20,000+
Career Paths: Entry-level dental assistant positions.
10. Independent & Continuing Education Courses (Dental CE)
For professionals, continuing education (CE) courses in Cincinnati help maintain licensure and expand skills in specialized areas.
Highlights:
- Short courses on various dental topics
- Networking and career growth opportunities
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Tuition & Fees: ~$650+ per course
Career Paths: Licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants maintaining CE credits or learning new specialties.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Dental Programs in Cincinnati
| Rank | School / Program | Location | Type of Program | Estimated Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College (Dental Hygiene) | Cincinnati, OH | Associate Degree | ~$14,000–$15,000/year |
| 2 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | Cincinnati, OH | Dental Support & Assisting Programs | ~$4,000–$6,000 |
| 3 | Cincinnati Dental Assisting School | Cincinnati, OH | Dental Assisting Certificate | ~$3,450 |
| 4 | Cincinnati Dental Assisting Academy | Cincinnati, OH | Dental Assistant Training | ~$3,500–$3,675 |
| 5 | UC Health – AEGD Residency (General Dentistry) | Cincinnati, OH | Advanced Education in General Dentistry | Tuition $0 + stipend |
| 6 | Cincinnati Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Dentistry Residency | Cincinnati, OH | Specialty Residency | Stipend ~$68,000+ |
| 7 | UC Blue Ash – EFDA Certificate | Cincinnati, OH | Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary | Varies by credit hours |
| 8 | Fortis College – Dental Assisting | Cincinnati, OH | Dental Assisting Career Training | ~$20,000+ |
| 9 | Ross Medical Education Center – Dental Assistant Program | Cincinnati, OH | Dental Assisting Career Program | ~$20,000+ |
| 10 | Continuing Education Courses (Dental CE) | Cincinnati, OH | CE for Professionals | ~$650+ per course |
Conclusion
Cincinnati may not host a traditional DDS program, but it offers excellent dental training options for students and professionals. Whether you’re aiming to become a dental hygienist, assistant, or pursue a specialty residency, these programs provide the education, clinical experience, and career support you need.