Chairside, day one.
Nine months to a credential that puts you next to the dentist for every procedure — running radiographs, prepping materials, and managing the chairside workflow. The shortest path into dental clinical practice.
The Dental Assistant fit.
If any of these describe you, this program likely matches your goals and timeline.
Hands-on clinical students
If you want patient contact, procedural variety, and a clinical career without nursing-track length, this is it.
Pre-hygienist track
DA experience is the standard entry to RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) programs.
Office-based career seekers
Predictable hours, no overnight shifts, no holidays, no weekends — private practice norms.
Career changers
Move into healthcare without 2 years of prereqs — nine months to clinical work.
7 modules. 328 hours.
36 weeks online + 160hr clinical externship. Asynchronous online with weekly live office hours.
Dental Anatomy & Terminology
Tooth numbering, oral anatomy, tissue types, and the language of dentistry.
Chairside Procedures
Four-handed dentistry: instrument transfers, suction, retraction, and procedural sequence support.
Radiography
Digital intraoral and panoramic X-ray technique, safety, and quality assessment.
Infection Control
Sterilization protocols, cross-contamination prevention, and OSHA-compliant operatory turnover.
Materials & Instrumentation
Composite, amalgam, impression materials, cements, and the instrument inventory of a working operatory.
Office & Insurance
Treatment plan presentation, scheduling, dental insurance basics, and patient billing.
Clinical Externship
160 hours in a partner general or specialty dental practice.
Practical, employer-ready competencies.
Every skill below is taught explicitly, practiced in coursework, and validated during the externship.
Where graduates work.
Salary ranges reflect U.S. national averages. Local Texas market and metro Dallas pay tend higher in most categories.
Dental Assistant
Expanded Functions DA
Orthodontic Asst
Pediatric Dental Asst
Dental Assistant questions.
Are there expanded-function paths after?
Yes. Many states allow Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDA) after additional state-approved coursework. Career services helps map your state’s requirements.
Can I work in specialty offices?
Yes — orthodontic, pediatric, oral surgery, and endodontic practices all hire DAs. Specialty experience builds quickly with on-the-job training.
Start the Dental Assistant program.
Open enrollment year-round. Cohorts start every 4 weeks.