Jonathan BensonIf you’re considering a career in dentistry or dental health in Mesa, Arizona, you’re in the right place. Mesa and nearby areas offer a variety of programs ranging from full dental schools to dental hygiene and dental assistant certificates.
In this post, we’ll cover the top 10 dental schools and programs in Mesa along with tuition, program highlights, accreditation info, and career outcomes. We’ll also include a comparison table to make choosing easier.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Mesa AZ And Fees
1. Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (A.T. Still University)
Overview
The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) is the only ADA-accredited dental school in Mesa offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The program emphasizes public health and serving underserved populations, providing students with extensive clinical experience in real-world settings.
Program Details
- Degree: DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: ADA-accredited
- Clinical Experience: Direct patient care in supervised clinics
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition: ~$93,230 per year
- Technology Fee: ~$1,400 total
- Lab/Equipment Fees: ~$10,000–$13,000 per year
- Total Estimated Cost (4 years): ~$400,000 including living expenses
Why It’s Top-Ranked
- Only dental degree program in Mesa
- Extensive clinical exposure
- Strong community outreach and public health focus
2. Mesa Community College — Dental Hygiene Program
Overview
Mesa Community College (MCC) offers a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree, preparing students for licensure as a Dental Hygienist. This program focuses on teeth cleaning, patient assessment, radiography, and periodontal therapy.
Program Details
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science (Dental Hygiene)
- Duration: ~2 years
- Focus: Clinical skills and patient care
Tuition & Fees
- Resident Tuition per Credit: ~$97
- Estimated Total Tuition & Fees: ~$16,095
- Supplies & Exams: ~$8,400
- Total Cost: ~$24,500
Why It’s Great
- Affordable and well-regarded program
- Strong clinical focus
- Ideal for students aiming for a hygienist career
3. UEI College Mesa — Dental Assisting Program
Overview
UEI College Mesa offers a Dental Assisting Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level dental assisting roles with hands-on clinical training.
Program Details
- Program Type: Certificate (Dental Assisting)
- Duration: < 2 years
- Focus: Chairside assistance, clinical skills
Tuition & Fees
- Total Tuition: ~$3,000–$7,000 depending on part-time/full-time status
Why Students Choose It
- Quick entry into the dental workforce
- Affordable compared to full degrees
- Emphasis on practical, hands-on skills
4. Phoenix Dental Assistant School — Mesa Campus
Overview
This school specializes in Dental Assistant programs, with structured courses and clinical lab training to prepare for certification. While there are other programs that are ahead, there are certain advantages associated with this path, such as the fact that it is fast and affordable.
Program Details
- Duration: ~12–13 weeks
- Certification Focus: Prepares for dental assisting certifications
Tuition & Fees
- Full Tuition: ~$3,650
- Payment Plans: Weekly options available
Why It’s Worth It
- Fast and affordable
- Career-focused training
- Ideal for students seeking immediate employment
5. East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) — Dental Assistant
Overview
EVIT offers a Dental Assisting Certificate for high school graduates and adult learners. Students gain hands-on experience and practical skills.
Tuition & Fees
- Typical Total Cost: ~$2,500 for residents
Highlights
- Affordable and accessible
- Strong focus on lab and externship experience
- Prepares students for entry-level dental assistant roles
6. Carrington College — Mesa Dental Hygiene Program
Overview
Carrington College offers an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene with an emphasis on clinical readiness for licensing exams. One of the best things about this is that it combines theory and strong clinical experience.
Program Details
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science (Dental Hygiene)
- Duration: 2 years
Tuition & Fees
- Estimated Tuition + Fees: ~$60,000
Why It’s Notable
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Combines theory and strong clinical experience
- Prepares students for licensure as hygienists
7. Rio Salado College — Dental Programs
Overview
Rio Salado College offers dental support coursework for students seeking foundational education in dental care roles. If you need something that is very affordable, then you should go for any of its dental programs.
Tuition & Fees
- In-State Tuition: ~$2,070/year
Why It’s Good
- Extremely affordable
- Great for entry-level dental support roles
- Provides flexible learning options
8. Pima Medical Institute — Mesa Dental Assistant Program
Overview
Pima Medical Institute provides a Dental Assistant program with externship opportunities, combining classroom learning with real-world clinical experience.
Tuition & Fees
- Total Program Cost: ~$18,923 (including tuition, books, and fees)
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- Prepares students for clinical practice
- Combines theory with practical training
- Externship opportunities boost employment prospects
9. Arizona College — Dental Support Courses
Overview
Arizona College offers dental support courses and allied health certificates in Mesa and nearby areas. If you are interested in short term certificate programs, then this is something you should go for.
Tuition & Fees
- Varies depending on program; contact school for specifics
Good For
- Entry-level dental office support roles
- Short-term certificate programs
10. Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine — Glendale (Nearby)
Overview
Although located in Glendale, AZ, this ADA-accredited dental school is one of Arizona’s top DDS programs. Aside from its superb reputation, it can also boast of strong clinical and research opportunities.
Tuition & Fees
- Annual Tuition: ~$86,000–$90,000
Why It Makes the List
- Excellent reputation
- Full DDS program within Arizona
- Strong clinical and research opportunities
Comparison Table — Dental Schools & Programs Near Mesa, AZ
| School/Program | Type | Duration | Approx. Tuition/Fees | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health | Dental School | 4 yrs | ~$90,000+/yr | DMD |
| Midwestern University (Glendale) | Dental School | 4 yrs | ~$86,000+/yr | DDS |
| Mesa Community College | Dental Hygiene | 2 yrs | ~$24,500 | AAS |
| Carrington College – Mesa | Dental Hygiene | 2 yrs | ~$60,000 | AAS |
| Rio Salado College | Dental Support | 1–2 yrs | ~$2,070/yr | Diploma |
| UEI College Mesa | Dental Assisting | <2 yrs | ~$3,000–7,000 | Cert |
| Phoenix Dental Assistant School | Dental Assisting | ~3 months | ~$3,650 | Cert |
| EVIT | Dental Assisting | ~1 yr | ~$2,500 | Cert |
| Pima Medical Institute – Mesa | Dental Assisting | 1–2 yrs | ~$18,900 | Cert |
| Arizona College | Dental Support | Varies | Contact school | Cert |
Tips for Choosing the Right Dental Program
- Define Your Goal: Decide if you want to be a dentist, hygienist, or assistant.
- Check Accreditation: Ensure the program is ADA-accredited for licensure eligibility.
- Consider Costs: Factor in tuition, fees, supplies, and living expenses.
- Look at Career Outcomes: Check placement rates, externships, and clinical experience opportunities.
Conclusion
Mesa and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of dental education options, from full DMD/DDS programs to dental hygiene and assistant certificates. With affordable programs and high-quality clinical training, Mesa is a strong choice for anyone pursuing a career in dental health.