Teeth are fascinating.
Dentists do a world of good every day for their patients and dental assistants are what make that possible.
So, what is a dental assistant responsible for, exactly?
To start with, before a dentist even gets back to the room, the assistant is prepping the scene.
Those x-rays that are taken so the dentist knows what they are looking at?
Yep, the assistant.
They are also on the dentist’s side for procedures such as fillings and extractions.
Does this sound like a line of work you feel could be rewarding?
Below is more information about what it takes to become a dental assistant, where to get started, and more!
5 Dental Assistant Schools in Texas
Texas Academy of Dental Assisting
Located in a multitude of spots around Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond, this dental school is a great option for convenience.
You’ll cover everything from oral anatomy to endodontics.
Tuition is $3,350 and includes all textbooks, supplies, and CPR certification.
Each in-person session starts four times a year.
The program lasts 12 weeks.
If you pass with 70% or more, you get a $50 off coupon.
All you need to get started is an application, a visit to the school, a personal interview, and a letter of acceptance.
Fort Worth Dental Assistant School
If finances are holding you back from starting a new career in dental assisting, the school in Fort Worth can help with that.
They offer affordable tuition and flexible payment plans, so school is not a burden for you.
The classes are hybrid, meaning you will have some online and some in-person.
This dental school also has put in work within the community to help find you a job once you graduate.
The full price for the 12-week program is $3,690.
Dallas Dental Assistant School
Similar to Fort Worth, Dallas has a program to help you avoid financial obstacles.
For $4,490 you can pay upfront.
You can also partake in one of two payment plans and use a discount code to save $100.
Both require a deposit but vary in weekly payment amounts.
The 12-week course will have in-person labs to attend.
These labs take place in nearby dental offices.
In addition, you will have work you can do from home at your own pace.
That gives you the time to consider what type of office you will want to work in since dental assistants are not limited to general practice.
Texas Dental Assisting Academy
With this 13-week program, you’ll learn digital radiography and business software, get hands-on training and come out CPR certified.
This school is located in San Antonio and costs around $3,500.
They work their classes around the schedules of people who have full-time jobs so they should be able to work around conflicts.
The best part of this school is that much of the training happens live in real dental offices.
Aspire Dental Assisting School
The cost of attending this school in Dallas varies depending on how you pay.
The range is between $4,595 and $4,995 with a payment plan option.
Tuition here includes textbooks, dental scrubs, workbooks, CPR training, visual training, lab and class supplies, and teeth whitening.
Come fresh-faced, there are no credits given for any other dental courses taken elsewhere.
Only nine weeks in and you are officially done!
After completion, Aspire passes out graduate info to local dental offices to help with career prospects.
Denta Assitant Schools in Texas – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Texas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Texas Academy of Dental Assisting | 4255 Bryant Irvin Rd Ste 112, Fort Worth, TX 76109 |
| Fort Worth Dental Assistant School | 8436 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116 |
| Dallas Dental Assistant School | 2014 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75214 |
| Texas Dental Assisting Academy | 6206 Seguin Rd, San Antonio, TX 78244 |
| Aspire Dental Assisting School | 9409 Garland Rd Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75218 |
Salary
The median salary for a dental assistant in the state of Texas is $41,000.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Texas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $41,829 |
| Dallas | $40,544 |
| San Antonio | $39,683 |
| Austin | $40,136 |
| El Paso | $35,695 |
| Fort Worth | $39,765 |
| Arlington | $39,700 |
| Corpus Christi | $38,303 |
| Plano | $40,370 |
| Garland | $40,457 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | 210 | $38,900 | $18.7 | $45,600 | $28,320 |
| Amarillo, TX | 310 | $39,990 | $19.23 | $46,650 | $29,190 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 3,370 | $47,810 | $22.99 | $60,090 | $35,820 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 350 | $39,410 | $18.95 | $47,570 | $29,430 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 330 | $36,240 | $17.42 | $44,840 | $26,880 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 350 | $39,180 | $18.84 | $46,600 | $28,850 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 430 | $39,330 | $18.91 | $47,440 | $28,990 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 10,350 | $45,440 | $21.85 | $58,960 | $31,190 |
| El Paso, TX | 880 | $35,260 | $16.95 | $44,440 | $26,930 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 8,230 | $38,500 | $18.51 | $49,560 | $29,830 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 440 | $40,400 | $19.42 | $47,800 | $28,940 |
| Laredo, TX | 180 | $35,660 | $17.14 | $44,770 | $26,260 |
| Longview, TX | 230 | $36,670 | $17.63 | $45,710 | $28,560 |
| Lubbock, TX | 400 | $37,830 | $18.19 | $45,690 | $28,590 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 680 | $35,770 | $17.2 | $47,230 | $27,830 |
| Midland, TX | 190 | $42,160 | $20.27 | $50,370 | $31,070 |
| Odessa, TX | 140 | $42,380 | $20.37 | $51,850 | $29,430 |
| San Angelo, TX | 110 | $37,170 | $17.87 | $45,010 | $28,490 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 3,330 | $42,280 | $20.33 | $48,560 | $32,700 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 300 | $38,970 | $18.74 | $47,160 | $25,970 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 140 | $37,090 | $17.83 | $46,040 | $28,170 |
| Tyler, TX | 370 | $40,810 | $19.62 | $48,700 | $28,740 |
| Victoria, TX | 80 | $40,650 | $19.54 | $57,220 | $29,100 |
| Waco, TX | 260 | $38,460 | $18.49 | $46,400 | $28,770 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 120 | $37,840 | $18.19 | $45,740 | $28,290 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once the dental assistant course is passed, can a student start work immediately?
Not quite yet.
The next step in the process would be to take a micro-course by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
The same organization requires passing exams in radiology, jurisprudence, and infection control.
The school you attend can help you coordinate all of that.
Is registration transferrable to other states?
Before moving, be sure to check the requirements of that state.
Each place is different and you may need to take extra courses or pass different exams.
Can dental assisting be good for someone with a limited schedule?
Yes!
This is a position you could do part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule conflicts.
There are some practices that are open on weekends and others open later in the evening.
However, keeping availability for work during the week and during the day will be most helpful.
Is dental assisting a good way to become a dentist?
It is definitely not uncommon for dental assistants to go back to school in an effort to further their careers.
Many opt for final careers as a hygienist or dentist.
Getting experience under your belt in a dental office can only help your education and familiarity as subjects progress.
How often do I need to renew my registration?
Annually.
In order to continue working as a dental assistant in Texas, you will need to make sure your registration with TSBDE is up to date.
That often includes continuing education courses that will keep you abreast of new developments in the field.
