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. DANB CDA exam prep + state X-ray certification + CPR/BLS readiness.
Dental Assistant
Expanded Functions DA
Orthodontic Asst
Pediatric Dental Asst
Tuition: $10,800 total · $499/mo payment plan
0% in-house payment plans, scholarships, employer reimbursement, and military/veteran benefits available. 87% of HCI students qualify for some form of aid. Federal Title IV pending ABHES accreditation.
Dental Assistant questions.
Will I be ready for the DANB CDA exam?
Yes. The curriculum maps to the DANB Certified Dental Assistant blueprint, including RHS (Radiation Health and Safety) and ICE (Infection Control Examination) components.
What about state X-ray certification?
Most states require a separate radiography credential. Our program prepares you for the state exam where applicable, and we cover X-ray theory and clinical technique extensively.
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. Application takes about 5 minutes and is free.