Find DA externship opportunities across Iowa. Connect with 1,800+ dental practices, oral surgery centers, and specialty clinics to gain hands-on chairside experience.
DA Hero Image
Iowa Dental Assistant
1,800+
Dental Facilities
505+
Job Openings
$0
To Enroll
$850
To Complete
Self-Managed Externship: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact dental facilities directly to arrange your own placement. This approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.
A dental assistant externship provides hands-on clinical experience in real dental settings. You'll work alongside licensed dentists and dental hygienists, applying classroom knowledge to actual patient care situations.
Our externship is optional and flexible—you decide when and where to complete it. Many students find that externship experience significantly improves their job prospects, though it's not required to complete our program.
EHired's training prepares you for entry-level dental assistant positions. Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations and are optional but can enhance your credentials when you're ready.
Explore dental facilities across Iowa that may accept externship students. Contact facilities directly to inquire about externship opportunities.
State capital with diverse dental practices and insurance industry workforce.
Aspen Dental Des Moines, Dental Associates West Des Moines, Midwest Dental Ankeny, Des Moines Dental Group, Urbandale Family Dentistry, Johnston Dental Care, Waukee Dental
Des Moines Oral Surgery, Iowa Orthodontics, Central Iowa Periodontics, Pediatric Dental Associates Des Moines, Des Moines Endodontics
Primary Health Care Dental, Broadlawns Medical Center Dental, Iowa Health+ Dental, Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa Dental
💡 Tip: Des Moines has 35% of Iowa dental jobs. Insurance industry headquarters create professional workforce with dental benefits. Less competitive than you'd expect for state capital.
University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Corridor dental services.
Iowa City Family Dental, Corridor Dental Group, Cedar Rapids Dental, Marion Dental Care, Coralville Dentistry, North Liberty Dental
University of Iowa College of Dentistry Clinics, Corridor Oral Surgery, Eastern Iowa Orthodontics, UI Periodontics, UI Pediatric Dentistry, Hawkeye Endodontics
University of Iowa Dental Clinics, Community Health Free Clinic Dental, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Dental
💡 Tip: Iowa City has University of Iowa College of Dentistry—premier externship opportunity. Academic environment with diverse patient population. Cedar Rapids expands job options.
Mississippi River region with cross-border dental services.
Aspen Dental Davenport, Quad Cities Dental Group, Bettendorf Family Dentistry, Moline Dental (IL accessible), Rock Island Dental (IL accessible)
Quad Cities Oral Surgery, Mississippi Valley Orthodontics, QC Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Quad Cities
Community Health Care Dental, Genesis Health Dental Clinic, Scott County Health Dental
💡 Tip: Quad Cities spans Iowa/Illinois border. Cross-state dental opportunities available. Manufacturing economy creates stable workforce with dental needs.
Nebraska border region with regional dental services.
Aspen Dental Sioux City, Siouxland Dental Group, Council Bluffs Dental, Omaha-area practices accessible (NE)
Siouxland Oral Surgery, Western Iowa Orthodontics, Sioux City Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Siouxland
Siouxland Community Health Center Dental, Community Health Center of Council Bluffs Dental, Great Plains Dental
💡 Tip: Western Iowa serves tri-state region (IA/NE/SD). Council Bluffs is Omaha metro—access Nebraska dental opportunities. Rural areas have shortages with incentives.
Identify dental practices, specialty offices, and clinics in your area that interest you.
Call or email office managers to inquire about externship opportunities and requirements.
Arrange hours that work for both parties. Our externship is flexible—no minimum hours required.
Many externships lead directly to job offers. Treat every day as an extended interview.
Iowa requires dental assistant registration through the Iowa Dental Board. Registration allows standard duties under supervision. Radiography certification required separately. University of Iowa has premier dental program.
Iowa Dental BoardProfessional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations. These certifications are optional but can enhance your credentials and earning potential.
EHired training prepares you for entry-level positions and helps build the knowledge foundation for pursuing optional certifications when you're ready.
Official salary data, job outlook, and career information for dental assistants.
Visit BLS →State regulations, registration requirements, and scope of practice information.
Visit Board →Dental Assisting National Board—optional professional certifications when you're ready.
Visit DANB →Free training. Flexible externship. Real career opportunities in Iowa.
$0 to enroll • $850 to complete • Self-paced online training
Find specific resources by program, topic, and state
Popular: MA Training CA · PCT Jobs TX · DA Cert FL