What is required to take the course?

Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED or home study certificate or transcript and be 17 years old or older to be eligible to take the course.

How long is the training?

Dallas Academy of Dentistry offers an 8-week dental assisting training course Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. This intense course allows you to gain real world knowledge while working not only in class but at actual dental offices so that you gain experience.

What is a day in class like?

Classes are from 9am to 3pm with breaks throughout, including 30 minutes for lunch. Classes are stimulating and fast paced that require participation. Each class consists of a lecture and a lab. Classes will also consist of actual hands-on dental assisting at your assigned extern site. You will obtain 60 hours for externship.

Why 9am to 3pm?

Dallas Academy of Dentistry created its course based on the need for quality dental assistants. In 8 weeks, you will train intensively so that you can be 100% confident that you can excel in this field. Working daily alongside dentists and dental assistants will provide you with the exposure, confidence, and skills you need to work in the dental field. When applying for employment, you will find that your resume will have a bigger impact with a program that is identical to the real working world of dental offices. Dentists and office managers will appreciate the dedication and preparation you have taken to set yourself apart from others by knowing you understand explicitly how to function in an office. Becoming accustomed to the hours and atmosphere will only benefit you in your employment search.

What is included in the tuition?

Our course includes a registered dental assisting study guide and exam, CPR certification, books, registration fee, and uniforms — everything you need to succeed!

Do I need previous experience?

No. Most of our students have no experience in the field. We will train you from the ground up.

When can I begin work in a dental office?

You must apply to become a registered dental assistant through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. You must also pass exams in Radiology, Jurisprudence, and Infection Control, which are also given by the TSBDE. Dallas Academy of Dentistry covers the cost of these courses and tests you on campus. The exam is taken in your eighth week. Once you’ve passed, you are ready to start seeking employment. For further information, see https://tsbde.texas.gov/ .

Once I get my state registration, do I need to do anything else?

You need to renew your registration bi-annually on your birth month with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The board also requires twelve hours of continuing education classes of which six must be clinical to retain registration. For further information, see

https://tsbde.texas.gov/ .

Why should I go for a short-term school course versus a long-term program?

We have customized our curriculum to focus on the skills and information that you will need on a day-to-day basis in a dental office. Our program allows you to practice on actual patients in real situations. We offer a condensed 8-week training program when many other programs last 6 to 18 months. We prioritize hands-on training and clinical skills to get our students to working in the office ASAP.

What kind of salary can I expect when I graduate?

Employment of dental professionals expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032 –faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage of registered dental assistants was $46,540 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. For more information, see Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm.

Can I expect to make a higher starting salary if I attend a longer school?

The starting salary for a dental assistant is not based on the length of their schooling but on their match between the dentist and the applicant, their confidence, their knowledge, their status as a RDA, and their skills. All that is needed to be a successful dental professional is to pass your state exam. Why go to school for 6 to 18 months when you can do the same thing in just 8 weeks?

I have been away from school for a while. Will I have trouble?

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, looking to change careers, or returning to the workplace, most students adapt quickly to the program. Our instructor and dentists understand that everyone learns differently and do what they can to make sure your transition back to school is an easy one. We will help guide you in study habits, test taking, and retaining the information learned.

Can I come by and see the facility before I enroll?

Yes! We encourage you to visit the campus to get additional information. Contact us to arrange a visit. We will answer any questions you may have about our course and give a tour of our office and facilities. Feel free to bring along a friend or family member.

Do you offer job placement assistance?

Yes, job placement assistance is available for all Dallas Academy of Dentistry graduates. Dentists and dental personnel recruiters contact our program when looking for qualified Dental Assistant graduates. We also continually contact local dentists to notify them of upcoming graduating classes. While we cannot guarantee employment, we will make every effort to help you.