Dental assistants perform clinical and administrative support functions within a dental office and are able to assume greater responsibilities with additional education and certifications.
Trade Schools & Online Programs
- Alvin
- Dallas, Grand Prairie, San Antonio
- San Antonio
- Grand Prairie, Houston
- Denison, Van Alstyne,
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Arlington
- Grand Prairie
- Houston
- Amarillo, San Antonio, El Paso
- Denton
- Forth Worth, Garland, Houston, Webster
- Arlington, San Antonio, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, San Antonio
- Arlington
- El Paso, Killeen, Beaumont, College Station, Longview, Lubbock
- Weatherford, Bridgeport
Alvin Community College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Alvin Community College’s Dental Assistant program is a 5-month training course that combines classroom and lab instruction to prepare students for entry-level roles in dental offices. Graduates become eligible to sit for the State of Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam upon completion. The program costs approximately $3,023 and requires applicants to meet health, background, and CPR certification prerequisites.
Concorde Career College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Concorde’s Dental Assisting program offers both a diploma and an associate degree pathway, preparing students for a versatile role in dental offices. The diploma program can be completed in as few as 9 months, while the associate degree takes approximately 18 months, with training available at Southaven and Memphis campuses. Approved by state dental boards, the curriculum includes hands-on externships, certification in expanded duties and radiology (in Florida), and career-focused instruction in patient care, diagnostics, and front office operations.
ECPI University (Rating: 4 out 5)
ECPI University offers an accelerated Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting that can be completed in as few as 15 months through a year-round schedule. The 63-credit curriculum includes a 10-week clinical externship and is specifically designed to prepare students for key professional credentials, including Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certifications. Graduates gain a comprehensive foundation in both chairside clinical competencies and administrative office management to support modern dental practices.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Fortis College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program that combines traditional classroom lectures with high-intensity, hands-on laboratory instruction and clinical experience. While the specific timeframe varies by location and individual schedule, these diploma programs typically take between 8 to 12 months to complete and include a ten-week externship in a real-world healthcare facility. Graduates are awarded a diploma and are academically prepared to sit for professional credentialing exams, such as those for Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) or the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation.
Grayson College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
The Grayson College Dental Assisting Program offers two pathways: a Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree. Both the certificate and the core dental assisting coursework for the AAS degree are completed in 9.5 months. Graduates of either program are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) licensing exam and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), as the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
12 month CODA accredited Certificate Level 1 program.
IDTC Career Center (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The Dental Assisting program at IDTC Career Center offers a hands-on curriculum that can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 months, preparing students for both clinical and administrative roles in dental settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Certification Exam through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The program includes externships, financial aid options, and training in areas such as radiology, HIPAA/OSHA compliance, and front office operations to ensure career readiness.
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech’s Dental Assistant program provides hands-on training in chairside assisting, dental radiology, and office management, preparing students for a versatile role in dental care. The program includes a clinical internship and offers preparation for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams, key components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. With a blended learning format and business-focused curriculum, graduates gain both technical skills and professional development to thrive in dental practices.
Lone Star College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Fast track 20 week hybrid program at LSC-Kingwood that prepares students for the Registered Dental exam.
Milan Institute (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
36-week training program in California, Nevada, and Texas, providing both administrative and clinical skills. Students receive hands-on training through an externship at an off-site dental facility, learning essential tasks such as scheduling appointments, assisting dentists during procedures, and performing dental radiology.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
NCTC's Dental Assistant Program is a 14-week course designed to provide comprehensive training in various essential skills needed for dental assisting. The curriculum covers anatomy, dental terminology, chair-side assisting, impression making, sterilization techniques, and X-ray fundamentals, supplemented by hands-on lab experience in a real dental office. Required courses for the program include CPR for Healthcare Providers (HEA 1000), Dental Assistant (DNTA 1015), and Dental Assisting Externship (DNTA 1060). This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares students for a fast-paced career in dental assistance.
Remington College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
Remington College’s Dental Assisting Diploma Program prepares students for entry-level roles in dental offices and clinics in as few as 8 months. The program covers oral anatomy, radiology, chairside assisting, and dental office emergencies, with hands-on training led by industry-experienced instructors. Graduates may pursue careers in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics, with CPR certification included in the coursework.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (Rating: 4 out 5)
STVT’s Dental Assisting Program trains students for careers in dentistry, focusing on hands-on learning, patient care, and workplace safety. The curriculum covers dental appointments, patient records, preventative dentistry, and includes an externship for practical experience. This 68-credit hour program spans 15 months and is available at the Brownsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Weslaco campuses.
Southwest University (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Assisting is a focused 14-month (54-week) program designed to train students for entry-level chairside assisting roles in a dental office. The curriculum covers essential procedures, laboratory tasks, and patient education, with a goal of developing a humanistic healthcare professional. While the summary does not explicitly mention external certifications like RDA or CDA, the program provides comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a career as a dental assistant.
Tarrant County College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
Tarrant County College’s Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Level 1 Certificate program, offered at the Northeast Campus, prepares students for entry-level roles in dental settings through 25 credit hours of specialized training. The program includes hands-on instruction in patient care, radiography, and infection control, and requires attendance at an in-person information session as part of its selective admissions process. Graduates are prepared to pursue RDA certification and may also enhance their qualifications through continuing education in coronal polishing, nitrous oxide, and other advanced procedures.
The College of Health Care Professions (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
CHCP’s Dental Assistant Certificate Program provides a comprehensive, 36-week blended learning experience that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students gain foundational knowledge in patient care, administrative tasks, and technical dental procedures, with preparation to become state-registered dental assistants. With flexible day and night tracks and transferable credits toward an associate degree, this program offers a pathway to career advancement in dental and medical assisting fields.
University of Texas Continuing Education (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Clinical Dental Assistant program is a 12-month, self-paced online course that includes 300 hours of training and prepares students for the radiology, infection control, and anatomy and physiology portions of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams. Graduates receive vouchers to take these exams, fulfilling requirements for the NELDA certification and partially meeting requirements for the CDA. Students may also apply for an optional clinical experience to gain hands-on training, though placement is not guaranteed.
Vista College (Rating: 3.3 out 5)
Vista College’s Diploma in Dental Assistant program provides hands-on training and real-world experience to prepare students for entry-level roles in dental healthcare. Spanning approximately 11 months, the COE-accredited program includes dental office experience and prepares graduates for the DANB certification exam, with exam fees covered. Students also receive personalized career services, including job search support, resume building, and interview preparation.
Weatherford College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The Dental Assistant program at Weatherford College is an 18.0 CEU workforce training program that prepares students for entry-level positions in dental care through 180 contact hours of instruction and hands-on externship. In approximately one semester, students gain skills in chairside assisting, x-rays, sterilization, and dental materials, and are prepared to sit for the Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam. CPR certification is included, and graduates may pursue roles such as Oral Surgery Assistant or Orthodontic Assistant.
How Long Does it Take?
Programs within private vocational schools take about one year to complete and graduates will be awarded a certificate or diploma. Two year programs are offered in community and junior colleges and lead to an associate in science (A.S.) degree.
Entry to either a certificate or associate’s program requires either a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
How Much Does it Cost?
It’s possible to earn a certificate to be a dental assistant in the state of Texas for under 2k, while some two-year associate degrees can cost upwards of 30k. Typically, the more education a dental assistant earns, the more money they will be able to make in their career.
Those looking to become dental assistants will also need to pay various fees and expenses for exams as well as possible study materials during their education process.
What Courses Should You Take?
If you are a high school student with an interest in becoming a dental assistant, it is recommended that you take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computers, and psychology.
For those wishing to pursue training in the field, The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association accredits nearly 300 programs throughout the country. Most dental assistant programs combine classroom study, laboratory work, and instruction in dental assisting practice and theory.
Coursework will include fundamentals of the following:
- dentistry
- dental pharmacology
- dental office procedures
- dental anatomy and physiology
- clinical dental procedures
- dental equipment
Salary
How much can you make as a dental assistant?
Below are Texas salaries which have been broken down into hourly and annual wages per metro area.
| Location | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $18.70 | $38,900 |
| Amarillo | $19.23 | $39,990 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $22.99 | $47,810 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $18.95 | $39,410 |
| Big Thicket Region of Texas | $18.41 | $38,300 |
| Border Region of Texas | $17.22 | $35,830 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $17.42 | $36,240 |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas | $17.72 | $36,860 |
| College Station-Bryan | $18.84 | $39,180 |
| Corpus Christi | $18.91 | $39,330 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $21.85 | $45,440 |
| El Paso | $16.95 | $35,260 |
| Hill Country Region of Texas | $18.78 | $39,070 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $18.51 | $38,500 |
| Killeen-Temple | $19.42 | $40,400 |
| Laredo | $17.14 | $35,660 |
| Longview | $17.63 | $36,670 |
| Lubbock | $18.19 | $37,830 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $17.20 | $35,770 |
| Midland | $20.27 | $42,160 |
| North Texas Region of Texas | $17.69 | $36,800 |
| Odessa | $20.37 | $42,380 |
| San Angelo | $17.87 | $37,170 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $20.33 | $42,280 |
| Sherman-Denison | $18.74 | $38,970 |
| Texarkana | $17.83 | $37,090 |
| Tyler | $19.62 | $40,810 |
| Victoria | $19.54 | $40,650 |
| Waco | $18.49 | $38,460 |
| West Texas Region of Texas | $17.79 | $37,000 |
| Wichita Falls | $18.19 | $37,840 |
Highest Salaries in Urban Centers
Austin-Round Rock ($22.99/hr, $47,810) and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($21.85/hr, $45,440) have the highest salaries, likely due to higher living costs and strong demand for healthcare workers in these metropolitan areas.
Oil and Energy Regions Offer Competitive Pay
Midland ($20.27/hr, $42,160) and Odessa ($20.37/hr, $42,380) report higher wages, possibly due to the general wage inflation seen in regions tied to the oil industry.
San Antonio and Houston Have Mid-Range Salaries
San Antonio-New Braunfels ($20.33/hr, $42,280) offers solid wages, while Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land ($18.51/hr, $38,500) falls slightly below expectations for a major city, possibly due to more competition among dental assistants.
License and Certification
According to the Texas Board of Dental Examiners, there are three levels of dental assistants.
The dental assistant education requirements in Texas differ between each level.
Level 1. Qualified Dental Assistant
“Qualified Dental Assistant” is a dental assistant who has received on-the-job training or instruction through a dental assisting school. There is no credential for this level of training or instruction.
Level 2. Registered Dental Assistant
“Registered Dental Assistant” is a dental assistant who has successfully completed the state-level registration process with the SBDE (State Board of Dental Examiners).
Dental Assistants who successful register and have been issued a Dental Assistant Registration Certificate by the SBDE may use the credential “Registered Dental Assistant” or “RDA.”
Registration is required for those dental assistants who wish to take and develop X-rays.
Level 3. Certified Dental Assistant
“Certified Dental Assistant” is a dental assistant who meets the education and/or experience prerequisites established by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB).
Experiential requirements are typically 2 to 4 years experience as a dental assistant on either a full or part time basis.
Candidates must also passes the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Examination (including Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE) and national-level General Chairside (GC) component(s), is currently CPR-certified and continues to maintain the CDA credential by meeting DANB requirements.
Dental Assistants who complete this process may use the credential “Certified Dental Assistant” or “CDA.” The designation Certified Dental assistant is required for those who wish to perform radiologic procedures
Advantages of Certification
Certification will enable dental assistants to earn higher salaries and be eligible for such career advancement opportunities as a dental office manager, instructor in training programs, dental products sales representative, or claims processor/adjuster with health insurance carriers.
Dental assistants may also return to school to become dental hygienists and be eligible for a much broader range of clinical patient care.
What Steps Do You Need to Take?
Steps in applying for the Certified Dental Assistant Exam through DANB:
- Complete the application and mail or fax to DANB with all required documentation along with the fee of $450.00. Your training program’s DANB certification number is to be recorded on the application.
- For those students who are still attending their training program but scheduled to graduate within 90 days of test date, you may submit a letter attesting to upcoming program completion on official school stationary signed and dated by the program director.
- Graduates of accredited programs are required to submit a copy of their final transcript or diploma.
- Current CPR certificate
- DANB will review once all documentation has been received. You will receive notice in about three to four weeks from the date you submit your application and supporting paperwork. If you are approved to sit for the exam DANB will send you a “Test Admission Notice” which will be necessary in order to register and enter the testing site.
- Schedule the location, date, and time of the exam through the Pearsons Vue the DANB testing vendor. Specific instructions to register for the test will be sent with the “Test Admission Notice.”
- Once you have completed the test you will be provided with an unofficial score report subject to review by DANB.
- DANB will mail the official score report about 3 to 4 weeks after the exam date.
Career Overview
What Do They Do?
Dental assistants play a support role and perform general office duties within a private dental office or the dental department of healthcare facilities. The responsibilities of dental assistants are diverse as they become involved with direct patient care, laboratory testing, as well as routine clerical tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for dental examination and arrange instruments.
- Provide chair-side assistance to the dentist during examinations (e.g. handing instruments to the dentist and using suction and other devices to keep the patient’s mouths dry)
- Wash and sterilize or dispose of dental instruments and equipment after use.
- Record patient dental history and create/update/maintain patient charts.
- Educate patients with regard to proper oral hygiene and preventative dental care.
- Prepare materials to fill cavities and make dental impressions.
- Place dental dams to separate teeth for examination and/or x-rays.
- May take and develop dental X-rays under the supervision of the dentist. As per the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE), “You are permitted to make x-rays in Texas for one year from the first day of being hired as a dental assistant under the direct supervision of a dentist. During this first year of employment you will want to consider taking one of the Dental Board-approved courses listed below to continue making x-rays in your 2nd, 3rd and future years of service as a dental assistant.”
- Administer topical anesthetics to gums in preparation for root canal and other procedures and remove post-surgery sutures. .
- Administers cavity-preventative materials to teeth, and removes excess dental cement used to fill cavities.
- Administrative responsibilities may include scheduling patients appointments, creating and sending patient bills to insurance carriers, receive and record payments, and order needed office and dental supplies. .
- Dental assistants who are given laboratory duties make casts from dental impressions and create temporary crowns.
- Many states are now registering dental assistants who are then provided with additional responsibilities, such as polishing teeth and restorative procedures cavity fillings or root canal. For full details regarding the job duties that registered dental assistants (RDAs) may perform in Texas, refer to “Regulation of Dental Assistants” guidelines.
Education Requirements
According to the Commission on Dental Accreditation, there are no formal education requirements to become an entry-level dental assistant in any state and many dental assistants continue to be trained on-the-job.
In these situations, the supervising dentist, dental hygienist, or senior dental assistant teach needed skills such as dental terminology, dental procedures, chairside assistance, recording patient histories, setting up patient charts, scheduling patient appointments and other office tasks.
It may take a new dental assistant three to four months to become fully versed about job duties and able to work without constant supervision.
On the Job Training
Even those who have graduated from accredited training programs will participate in some type of formal on-the-job training or have previous experience. This training is necessary because dentists have varying work styles, office procedures, and methods of patient relations.
Because of continuing advances in technology, dental assistants will also need to be kept current with regard to new equipment, instruments, and procedures.
Employer Expectations
What Employers in Texas Look for in a Dental Assistant
Employers across Texas seek skilled, detail-oriented, and patient-focused dental assistants to support their dental teams and ensure high-quality patient care.
Many healthcare providers, such as Harris Health System, UTHealth Houston, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, prioritize candidates with strong communication skills, proficiency in four-handed dentistry, and a thorough understanding of infection control and sterilization protocols.
A Texas State Board of Dental Examiners registration is a common requirement, with some employers also preferring additional certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR.
Specialized Skills and Certifications
Dental assistants in Texas often work in general dentistry, oral surgery, and specialized fields like endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.
At UTHealth Houston’s School of Dentistry, for instance, assistants are expected to take CBCT scans, dental radiographs, and assist with chairside procedures. Greenhill Family Dental seeks candidates skilled in intraoral scanning, impressions, and patient education.
Many roles, such as those at Just Wright Dental, emphasize surgical and implant procedures, requiring assistants to be comfortable handling advanced dental technologies and assisting in complex treatments.
Work Environments and Responsibilities
Beyond technical skills, employers seek professionals who can multitask in fast-paced environments, educate patients on oral hygiene, and work effectively as part of a healthcare team. Positions at Ben Taub Outpatient Center and Parkland Health require assistants to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules in demanding hospital settings.
Some roles, like those at InGenesis, extend into administrative duties, patient scheduling, and record management, showing the crossover into healthcare administration and front-office responsibilities.
Opportunities for Veterans and Career Growth
For military veterans transitioning into dental assisting, organizations like UTHealth Houston and InGenesis recognize military occupational specialties related to dentistry and provide resources for training and employment.
With Texas’ growing healthcare sector, employers seek dental assistants who are adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of supporting diverse dental teams in clinical, academic, and hospital settings.