About Us

Our superior quality dental assisting program emphasizes the use of cutting edge technology to ensure that the highest standards of education and practice are delivered.

A shorter program. Affordable and Effective.

The courses offered by the Dallas Academy of Dentistry were built for the hands-on learner. Students can learn material much more quickly when they participate in hands-on instruction, which means a shorter but efficient program. You can get started in your new career quickly through Dallas Academy of Dentistry.

It’s those fundamental skills that we focus on teaching to our students. Our course curriculum sets students up for success in knowing what dental offices will expect from them as entry level professionals.

Many people don’t realize that you don’t have to spend over $10,000 and a year of education time to become a dental assistant. The starting salary for a dental assistant does not have anything to do with how long you spent in school or how much you paid for your schooling. We set you up to become a registered dental assistant (RDA), and Dallas Academy of Dentistry will pay for you to take the certification test from the state. After only a fraction of the time and cost, you can enjoy a career in dental assisting.

Meet the Team

Jon Burnette

CAMPUS DIRECTOR
Mr. Burnette spent twenty-eight years in retail consumer finance holding several training, organizational development, director, and executive roles. He is a US Navy Veteran (Nuclear Submariner-Lieutenant), and obtained his Bachelors of Science in Biology/Bio Chemistry from Texas A & M’s Prairie View Campus followed by a MBA in Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management.
He entered the rewarding field of Dentistry in 2021 and quickly became a student of the business. As a matter of fact, he enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leverage his extensive training and organizational development experience to embrace the role of Director of the Dallas Academy of Dentistry.
In his spare time, Mr. Burnette enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, and reading.
Dr. Robert Tafel

INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Robert Tafel, originally from Rochester, NY, relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where he played collegiate tennis at Trinity University. After earning a B.S. in Physiology, he pursued a professional tennis career for six years before deciding to follow his passion for dentistry and enroll in dental school.
Upon graduating from the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985, Dr. Tafel established his general family practice in the Mid-Cities. He is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the ADA, the TDA, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society, with a strong commitment to continuing education. He has completed advanced post-graduate studies in Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Tafel is a respected and highly skilled dental healthcare provider, known for delivering exceptional care to the DFW metroplex.
Dr. Tafel’s extensive dental experience gave him a deep understanding of the importance of skilled dental assistants in ensuring a successful practice. This insight led him to create the Dallas Academy of Dentistry, where he currently serves as an instructor.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Tafel enjoys spending time with his wife, Lara, and their daughter, Mimi.
Norma Davila

INSTRUCTOR
Mrs. Davila spent twenty years in dentistry holding several roles in management, operations and director of specialty programs including orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and pediatrics. She expanded her educational knowledge by entering public school instruction earning a Bachelors of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies in Education from Texas Tech University followed by a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University.
After eight years in public education, she re-entered the rewarding field of Dentistry in 2024 to share her love of dentistry in the role of Instructor of the Dallas Academy of Dentistry.
In her spare time, Mrs. Davila enjoys crafting and spending time with family.
Imelda Aguilera

REPRESENTATIVE
With over twenty years in the dental field, Mrs. Aguilera has dedicated her career to building community connections and nurturing future talent in dentistry. She currently serves on the SECC board of directors. Mrs. Aguilera leverages her expertise to support local initiatives, from elementary school carnivals to high school career days. Her passion for the dental industry even extends to mentoring the next generation, as she helps recruit aspiring young professionals. When she's not leaving her mark on the community, you can find Mrs. Aguilera on the soccer field, sharing her love of the game as a dedicated coach.
Daisy Acosta

INSTRUCTOR
Mrs. Acosta has been dedicated to the healthcare field for over 16 years, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and also holds an Associate's in Nursing. Her background in biology and nursing, allows her to approach healthcare from a well-rounded perspective, blending scientific knowledge with compassionate care. She transitioned into management, where she has taken on leadership roles that focus on improving team performance and patient care. Currently, she has expanded her knowledge by exploring the field of dentistry, further diversifying her skill set in healthcare. She is passionate about shaping the future of healthcare by empowering others with the skills they need to excel.
In her spare time, Mrs. Acosta enjoys painting, hiking, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.