Welcome to Dental Assisting

This comprehensive 8-week program is designed to guide you through the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a successful dental assistant and to get hired in the field. The course is structured across three main tracks:

Dental Assisting: Your primary focus each week will be on core dental assisting topics, gradually building the foundational skills required in a professional dental environment.

Certifications: For the Texas Dental Assisting program, you will work toward completing the requirements necessary to pursue certification as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be prepared to take the required Texas state exams in Jurisprudence, Infection Control, Radiology, and Human Trafficking Prevention. These exams are required for RDA certification, so it is important that you begin studying early, follow the program schedule, and stay on track with your preparation. For South Carolina Dental Assisting program, you can work towards completing further certifications offered through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Professionalism: Throughout the program, you'll also engage in professionalism workshops, covering topics like career services, accountability, resume building, interview skills, and more — skills critical for your future success and workplace readiness.

Please ensure you are progressing through ALL courses from the beginning, as the workload is significant. Refer to the course schedule to track what you're learning each week and to keep up with all tracks simultaneously. This structured and multi-faceted approach ensures you gain the technical skills and professional qualities that will prepare you to earn certifications that will set you apart in your dental assisting career.

The syllabus outlines the complete 12-week program schedule including class times (8am–4pm), weekly topics, and clinical competency requirements. It covers all dental assisting topics from Week 1 (Orientation, BLS, Vitals, Dental Office) through Week 12 (Final Clinical Competency and Graduation). Review this document carefully to understand the full scope of the program.

The Clinical Progression is designed to help track the amount of repetitions completed for each skill. The minimum number of reps is listed in the chart; however, the objective is to complete as many repetitions as possible in each skill to build competency and confidence in performing all basic dental assisting duties. As new topics are introduced each week you will continue to practice skills introduced from previous weeks until master competency is achieved. You will also continue mastering your skills throughout the externship.

This document from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) outlines the permitted and prohibited duties for dental assistants in Texas. It covers the three-level career ladder (Dental Assistant, DA with Expanded Functions, and Registered Dental Assistant), radiography requirements, education and training requirements, and the specific functions allowed under general and direct supervision at each level. Use this to reference what you can legally do in the clinic of your dental office.