About the Career

Making smiles healthy, dental assistants work closely with dentists and patients. Dental assistants’ role often includes taking X-rays, recordkeeping and managing equipment. The position is a great launching pad to become a dental hygienist or dentist.

Qualities for Success

Dental assistants must have good interpersonal, listening and organizational skills.

Career Outlook

The job market is expected to increase 18 percent through 2024. The average hourly wage is approximately $16.95.

About the Program

Through hands-on labs and classes, students train with instructors with years of health care experience. CPR training is included. Students also gain workforce skills and learn from other professionals in clinicals at local health care facilities.

Certification

As part of completing the program, students will take the Texas Registered Dental Assistant Exam.

How to Begin

In order to participate in the program, students must complete an application Dental Assistant Student Application and have a high school diploma or GED. Clinical sites require participants to have updated immunizations, background checks, drug screens and verified IDs.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

*Students will be required to pay for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry RDA exam (approximately $155) due near the end of the program. The instructor will be able to provide specific due dates.