Here we pick the best 5 dental assistant schools in Texas to help you decide. it is important to pick the best Dental Assistant School that fits your needs and offers the very best dental assistant training.
Length and Cost of Dental Assistant Program in Texas
The average length of a dental assistant program in Texas is nine months, but this is highly dependent on the type of program you choose. Certificate and diploma programs are shorter, so they’re more affordable. Associate degree programs are longer and cost more, but they also come with higher chances of employment.
| Program | Length | Cost |
| Certificate / Diploma | 6 – 15 Months | $1,990 – $23,300 |
| Associate Degree | 2 Years | $5,830 – $35,660 |
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Here is a list of 5 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Texas
1. The College of Health Care Professions
The Dental Assisting program at CHCP is offered with the option of in-person and online learning. The program teaches equipment utilization, tooth morphology, radiology, and other clinical aspects of working in a dental office. CHCP also offers externship opportunities to integrate practice for real-world dental assistant responsibilities.
Program: Certificate Programs
Duration: On-Campus (Day Track): 35 weeks: On-Campus (Evening Track): 54 weeks
Campus locations: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston – Med Center, Houston – Northwest, Houston – Southwest, McAllen, San Antonio.
2. Concorde Career College
The dentist Assistant program at Concorde is designed to teach foundational concepts of dentistry. The college incorporates real-world training and off-site clinical experiences in its programs so that you can be prepared for the challenges of a professional career upon graduation. The college also offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who are qualified. Visit the Schools website to learn more about the deadline for application and qualification requirements.
Program: Certificate, Diploma & Associate Programs
Duration: Minimum of 9 months
Campus locations: Dallas, Grand Prairie, San Antonio
3. Altierus Career College
Altierus Career College’s dental assistant program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering preventive dentistry, nutrition, dental health, restorative dentistry, dental sciences, and dental radiography. The program also offers additional skills training such as self-management, proficiency in communication, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and career-building competencies. The college works on a blended learning system designed for students looking for a flexible learning experience. Students must attend on-campus classes once a week, while the rest of the courses are covered virtually.
Program: Diploma
Duration: 9 months
Campus Location: Houston
4. Grayson College
Grayson’s dental assistant program has a student-focused approach with small class sizes and plenty of opportunities outside of class time for students to develop their skills and make connections within their communities. The Dental Assisting program focuses on dental Sciences, chairside assisting, radiology, and office management.
Programs: Associate in Dental Assisting, Certificate in Dental Assisting
Duration: Minimum 9 ½ months-long
Campus Location: Denison, Van Alstyne
5. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
STVTI’s Dental Assisting program provides instruction on the skills and techniques used in dental offices. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, patient and workplace safety, and prepares students for common tasks and situations.
Students in the program can participate in an externship with a local dentist. This valuable real-world experience helps prepare students for the job market after graduation.
Campus locations: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen, Weslaco
For more information about STVTI’s dental assisting program duration, visit the school’s website https://www.stvt.edu/career-training-programs/healthcare/dental-assisting/
Campus location: Denison
Dental Assisting Job Titles and Requirements In Texas
There are three types of dental assistants in Texas. The differentiator is the amount of education and training they have received. Even though a dental assistant license is not a requirement for entry-level dental assistant positions in Texas, licensed candidates have more job opportunities and chances for higher pay.
| Dental assistant | Dental Assistant qualified to perform expanded functions | Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) |
| There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting. | Two years of work experience as a dental assistant and 8 hours of didactic education and clinical in coronal polishing from a dental school or dental assisting program, which is accredited by CODA and approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners OR Acquire a DANB’s (CP) Coronal Polishing certificate of knowledge-based competence OR Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program that is accredited by Texas State Board of Dental Examiners which includes clinical and didactic education in coronal polishing | I. Graduate from an accredited high school or hold a GED II. Complete a current hands-on course in Basic Life Support III. a. Complete a mandatory course of training specified by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners that includes procedures for positioning and exposing dental x-rays, jurisprudence, and infection control OR b. Earn the national DANB CDA certification and successfully complete the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners jurisprudence assessment. IV. Apply to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for registration V. Submit fingerprints to retrieve criminal history record information |
Average Salary of a Dental Assistant in Texas
Texas has a significant need for dental assistants, with approximately 29,950 dental assistants in current employment and forecasted growth of 35.8% between 2018 and 2028- faster than the national average. The average annual salary for a dental assistant in Texas is $39,170.
Benefits of becoming a dental assistant?
Becoming a dental assistant is a great way to pursue your passion for helping others. You will be able to work in an exciting and fast-paced environment where you can make a difference in many people’s lives. You will be working alongside a team of other passionate individuals who want what’s best for their patients, so being part of this team is rewarding.
Becoming a dental assistant is also an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing higher education later on. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that cover up to 100% of your tuition costs, depending on how long you have been with them and where they are located within Texas.
If you’re looking for a career that lets you make a difference in people’s lives every day and is secure, fulfilling, and financially stable, then dental assisting may be right for you. It’s no wonder why the occupation is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
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