13 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Houston, TX

Houston Dental Careers was established by visionary practicing dentists and registered dental assistants active in the daily rhythm of the dental community.

The school is committed to reshaping the dental education landscape as it believes that high-quality dental assistant training can be brief and inexpensive.

By narrowing its focus on the most essential clinical skills, it aims to mold students into indispensable members of any dental team in a relatively short timeframe.

They don’t just teach; they immerse students in real-world applications using state-of-the-art equipment and materials.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Houston Dental Careers Dental Assisting program is more than a theory.

It provides real experience with genuine equipment and materials used in modern dental offices.

In just eight weeks, students will become professional dental assistants from being a novice.

High-end training doesn’t need to break the bank; students can enjoy top-tier education at an affordable price of only $4,300.

Here are the topics covered in the program:

• Introduction to Dental Assisting/Dental Anatomy.
• Infection Control & Infection Control Lab.
• Dental Radiology.
• Chair Side Dental Assisting & Lab.
• Dental Procedures.
• Emergency Care.
• Preparation for Employment.
• Dental Assistant Registration and Exam.
• Externship.

Upon completing the program, graduates receive a certificate and are ready to become Registered Dental Assistants.

To earn this title, students must pass the Texas State Board of Dental Examiner’s Registered Dental Assistant Exam, and the tuition covers the cost.

In addition, the tuition includes all required textbooks, essential supplies, materials, and even a CPR license for healthcare workers.

Edwards Institute for Dental Assisting is not just another dental training institute.

It prides itself on being the “Vanguard” of dental assisting programs.

It leverages a 21st-century approach to learning and acknowledges the needs and constraints of modern adults.

The school doesn’t just train students to be dental assistants; it prepares them for the radiology exam.

Many dental assistants must return to school” for this,” but Edwards Institute graduates are immediately eligible to sit for this exam.

They’ll earn their Radiology Certification after a year of supervision under a dentist.

Its faculty teachers are practicing dental assistants, providing insights that only day-to-day experience can offer so students will learn from the best.

The school operates with state licenses, and its curriculum boasts approval from the State Commission for Independent Education.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The Edwards Institute for Dental Assisting introduces its “VANGUARD” 11-week program.

The program provides hands-on, on-the-job training essential for success in a dental career.

In less than three months, students transition from classroom settings to professional environments, fully equipped with the requisite skills.

Instead of a traditional classroom, the school is situated within a dental office, offering firsthand experience of the real working world.

The program limits class sizes and a student-to-instructor ratio of 5:1; it ensures personalized instruction for every individual.

For more details about the program, you can contact them directly on their website, call 713-669-0902, or visit their onsite location.

Dr. Latrice R. Foster established the Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School.

She’s a Howard University alumnus, showcasing her academic brilliance by graduating in the top 10 of her class.

Dr. Foster’s rich academic history, with her hands-on expertise in diverse areas of pediatric dentistry, culminated in her vision of creating Houston’s pioneering pediatric dental assistant school.

The school’s instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re experienced pediatric dental assistants.

Its programs are always Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, boasting a collective experience of over 40 years.

The Texas Workforce Commission accredits the institution, showcasing its commitment to adhering to the standard of providing high-quality education.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Houston Pediatric Dental Assistant School’s Dental Assisting Program offers students an exceptional real-world, hands-on training experience focusing on children’s dental treatment.

It tailor the curriculum to prepare students for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Registered Dental Assistant examination.

Graduate with the confidence and skills to excel in their career.

The program runs for 11 weeks with a flexible every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., costing $3,600.

After completing the 10-week courses, students will do an externship at the site for their final practical experience.

It also guides job placements post-certification.

Upon completion, graduates will get a CPR certification and RDA certificate after passing the state exam.

Houston Dental Assistant Academy introduces its rebranded Dental Assistant Program, powered by Zollege, a leading name in healthcare career education.

Its principle revolves around affordable, skills-based education that leads to concrete job opportunities.

The school proudly partners with the industry, ensuring its students receive real-world training.

By sharing its mission and facilities, our partners not only serve the community but also benefit financially.

Currently, its partners operate over 130 schools across the U.S., and they’re expanding every day!

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) accredits the school, showing its competence in providing top-tier education.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Houston Dental Assistant Academy’s Dental Assisting program is a newly structured 12-week program.

It now offers enriched labs, comprehensive modules, and hands-on skills.

It ensures students step out as top-tier dental assistants, ready to serve.

Students will engage with online modules, pre-recorded lectures, and activities during the week.

Saturdays are for intense, hands-on lab training in an operational dental office for 4.5 hours.

After the third class, students will have a 40-hour externship, exposing them to real-world scenarios under the guidance of seasoned dental professionals.

Its dedicated team also aids in externship placements, ensuring students get the best possible start.

To enroll in the program, students must submit the following:

• Proof of completing high school.
• U.S. government-issued photo I.D.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.

Upon completion, graduates will get a Certificate of Completion, BLS (CPR) card, and RDA License upon passing the state RDA exam.

Pure Dental Assistant Academy (PDAA) is an educational institution offering dental assisting education.

Its mission is to provide long-term learning opportunities, enabling students to explore, learn, and succeed through quality education and workforce training.

The school’s instructors have over 50 years of combined dental field experience to ensure students learn from the best of the field.

They are dedicated to updating their curriculum to match the latest dental practices, ensuring students receive the most relevant training.

At Pure Dental Assistant Academy, they believe in offering comprehensive training that doesn’t break the bank.

Its tuition includes all supplies, materials, handouts, and teaching aids, ensuring students have everything they need to excel.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The PDAA Dental Assisting program covers various topics to provide aspiring dental assistants with a holistic understanding of the field.

It runs for seven weeks, comprising 136 hours of lectures and hands-on clinical training.

It offers day and evening classes, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their education.

Here are the program topic highlights:

• Sterilization and Infection Control
• Anesthesia / Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Dental Instruments / Tray Set-Ups
• Moisture Control
• Restorative Techniques
• Procedural Post-Operative Instructions
• Four-Handed Assisting Techniques
• CPR, Pain Management, and More.

To successfully graduate from the program, students are required to meet the following requirements:

• Complete the seven-week program with a grade point average of 70% or higher (including the 40-hour externship).
• Pass the Nitrous Oxide Monitoring exam.
• Complete the BLS (CPR) course.
• Pass the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners RDA exam.

Houston Community College (HCC) is a public institution of higher education with open admission.

It offers accessible and affordable academic advancement, workforce training, career development, and lifelong learning.

The Houston Independent School District established it following a public vote in 1971.

Its mission is to prepare individuals within diverse communities for success in a global and technological society.

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the school.

This accreditation allows HCC to award associate degrees, ensuring the quality and recognition of its academic programs.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Houston Community College’s Dental Assisting Program is an intensive one-year (12-month) program designed to equip students with the essential skills to become proficient Dental Assistants.

This program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in onsite labs.

Aspiring students are required to meet essential functions integral to the Dental Assisting Program.

These functions align with the expectations of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and the Dental Assisting National Board.

Also, the Commission on Dental Accreditation for those pursuing Certification or Registration as Dental Assistants.

Here are the following skills students will acquire after completing the program:

• Application of four-handed dentistry concepts.
• Systematic collection of diagnostic patient data.
• Competent management of infection control and hazard control
• procedures in line with professional guidelines.
• Proficiency in dental office business procedures.

Upon program completion, graduates can take the licensure/certification exam. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners will issue the certification.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a four-year university offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

It is home to several colleges, including the College of Public Service, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Sciences and Technology, and the Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Established in 1974, UHD has grown exponentially; it expands its offerings to meet the educational needs of America’s fourth-largest city.

Currently, it offers 46 areas of study for bachelor’s degrees and 11 master’s degrees.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the UHD to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

About The Dental Assisting Program

UHD’s Dental Assisting Program prepares students for entry-level positions in dental assisting, a rapidly growing healthcare profession.

Students can opt between on-campus and online classes, offering flexibility in their learning experience.

It also provides a 40-hour clinical externship for hands-on experience.

This comprehensive program covers both administrative and clinical aspects of dental assisting:

• Exploring the dental office and delving into the historical background of dentistry and the role of dental assisting.
• Navigating the legal aspects of dentistry, including policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Gaining an initial understanding of oral anatomy, the dental operatory, and essential dental equipment.
• Studying the composition of teeth, covering both primary and permanent dentition.
• Examining the oral cavity and its interconnected structures.
• Exploring dental hand-pieces, sterilization procedures, and other vital areas of dental practice.

Upon program completion, graduates are ready to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control.

The course also includes CPR certification and covers the material to prepare students for the State of Texas TSBDE Dental Assisting exam.

College of Health Care Professions was formerly a MacGregor Medical Association established by visionary physicians in 1953.

In 1988, the founders established the College of Health Care Professions to meet the demand for quality health training among McGregor’s employees.

In 1990, CHCP received approval from the Texas Workforce Commission to widen its reach.

Today, CHCP has nine strategically located campuses in Austin, Houston Southwest, Houston Northwest, Houston Med Center, North San Antonio, South San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and McAllen.

In addition to its physical campuses, CHCP offers an online program catering to diverse students seeking to make their mark in the healthcare industry.

About The Dental Assisting Program

CHCP Dental Assistant Certificate Program equips students with the skills and knowledge to assist dentists in various oral procedures.

The program runs for 36 weeks, with both day and evening classes.

It combines online and in-person classes and participates in clinical, hands-on classes in person.

Students will gain the following skills after completing the program:

• Equipment utilization.
• Tooth morphology.
• Radiology.
• Clinical aspects in a dental office.
• Administrative and procedural duties.
• Professional communication.
• Compassionate chairside manner, and more.

After completing the program, graduates can take the certification exam to earn their dental assistant certification.

Graduates must legally obtain this certification, as it is a requirement for them to register with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) before performing X-ray procedures in a dental office.

Upon graduation, CHCP’s career services also support students with resume writing, interview tips, and job search assistance.

A group of dentists established the Dental Assisting School of Houston to address the need for more qualified applicants in the current job market for dental assistants.

Its primary goal is to create opportunities for individuals dreaming to build a career in dentistry, even if they have no prior experience in the field.

The comprehensive programs equip students with all the essential skills and knowledge needed to become competent dental assistants.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) officially approves the school’s dental assistant courses.

It ensures that students receive top-notch education and training.

It takes pride in offering the only program in Texas that allows students to train in a multi-discipline clinical setting.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting School of Houston’s program offers exclusive access to fundamental skills training and real-world practice scenarios alongside experienced dentists and actual patients.

With this experience, students are well-prepared to enter the dental industry job market with confidence.

The program covers Orthodontic, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, Pediatric, and General Dentistry within a state-of-the-art facility.

Additionally, its unique approach provides students with the hands-on experience necessary to excel in a dental assistant career.

Upon completing the program, students will also be proficient with some cosmetic dentistry services, such as:

• Bleaching or Teeth Whitening
• Crowns
• Veneers
• Bonding
• Contouring and Reshaping

Pima Medical Institute is a private, accredited medical career college owned by its employees.

Established in 1972 by founders Richard Luebke Sr. and his wife, JoAnn, it prepares students for career readiness, focusing on healthcare professions, including dental, medical, and veterinary fields.

It offers certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree programs.

Pima contributed to the knowledge and skills development of students across our 17 campuses in the western United States.

It offers diverse learning options with 30 programs, from on-campus to hybrid and 100% online programs.

It enhances the quality of people’s lives by delivering exceptional value in medical career education.

Pima Medical Institute holds accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Additionally, Pima Medical maintains accreditation and licensing from several state and program-specific bodies.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Pima Medical Institute Dental Assisting is a certificate program that runs for nine months, preparing students for an entry-level role as dental assistants.

It provides hands-on, real-world training with communication, administrative, and assisting skills necessary for this position.

It also offers a clinical externship in addition to students’ real-world experience so they can interact with actual patients who full-time professionals monitor.

The school will also guide students in making resumes, letters of recommendation from supervisors, and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Here is the course outline of the program:

Foundational Courses:

• Study Skills
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
• Computer Basics
• Math Fundamentals
• CPR & First Aid

I Professional Sequence:

• Anatomy and Pathology of the Head, Neck, and Oral Cavity
• Fundamentals of Dentistry
• Principles of Dental Office Administration
• Dental Therapeutics and Emergency Procedures
• Administrative and Clinical Applications for Sequence I

II Professional Sequence:

• Dental Equipment and Materials
• Chairside Assisting and Clinical Procedures
• Clinical Applications for Sequence II

III Professional Sequence:

• Essentials of Charting
• Dental Radiography
• Clinical Applications for Sequence III

Fortes Colleges & Institute is a dynamic post-secondary network comprising colleges and institutes.

It empowers students through robust learning and training experiences to develop professional skills and lifelong growth.

Fortes’s vast educational network spans 30 campuses across 14 states, offering a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for their chosen careers.

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) accredits the institution.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Fortis offers a comprehensive dental assisting training program that can be your stepping stone into the healthcare field.

Its experienced and dedicated faculty tailors the classes to help students acquire proficiency in dental procedures and techniques.

The program combines classroom lectures, laboratory instruction, hands-on skill development, and clinical experience.

Students will receive training in clinical, radiographic, and administrative procedures, learning to operate the clinical and diagnostic equipment commonly found in modern dental offices.

Here are the skills students will acquire after completing the program:

• Provide educational, preventative, and clinical therapeutic services to patients.
• Master chair-side best practices while assisting dentists during patient examinations and treatments.
• Administrative responsibilities.
• Laboratory procedures.
• Exposure to a variety of dental specialty practices.
• And more…

Upon completion, graduates will receive a diploma and should be well-prepared for entry-level employment as a dental assistant.

The University of Houston is a hub for various online and special programs (OSP).

It provides multiple educational opportunities to support undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit special training courses.

The university has a rich history of leadership in distance education, from 1953 when its licensed television station, KUHT, became the nation’s first Educational TV station.

UH college courses were among the first educational programs broadcasted via KUHT.

Since then, it has evolved to offer over 1,250 distance education courses annually, reaching more than 46,000 students across the nation and around the world.

Its mission is to contribute to the University of Houston’s objective of offering nationally and internationally competitive academic programs.

The school facilitates the administration and development of diverse online and special programs, enhancing educational access and opportunities for current and prospective students, faculty, and staff.

About The Dental Assisting Program

University of Houston’s Dental Assisting Program is a 100% online course that students can start learning anytime.

This comprehensive online course equips you with the technical skills to excel as a clinical dental assistant.

The course covers the following topics:

• Dental anatomy and physiology
• Infection Control
• Radiology
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Specialties
• Dental Practice Management
• Pharmacology
• Patient Care
• Explore Dentrix Practice Management Software
• Employment strategies and more.

Upon course completion, students will receive vouchers to sit for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) segments of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations.

To enroll in the program, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for national certification exams.

Lone Star College (LSC) is a premier educational institution that welcomes over 80,000 students each semester.

It offers high-quality, affordable academic transfer and career training education, equipping students for tomorrow’s workforce.

LSC redefines the community college experience to develop student success.

It aspires to be a global model college renowned for achieving exceptional success in student learning, completion, gainful employment, parity, and affordability.

It is proud to commemorate 50 years of providing affordable, quality education close to home. The LSC’s 50 Years of Excellence is a remarkable history and growth, underlining its mission to inspire and empower students.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Lone Star College (LSC) offers an excellent Dental Assistant Certificate Program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in dental assisting.

It prepares students for the Registered Dental Exam, as required by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

The program is now offered in a hybrid format, combining online and face-to-face learning for 20 weeks.

The program comprises several courses, including:

• Dental Assisting I
• Dental Assisting II
• Dental Assisting III (Clinical)
• Dental Assisting Review & Exam

Upon successful completion of the program and the required checklist items, students will receive a Dental Assistant Certificate.