Dental Assisting is a Diploma program offered by Las Vegas College-Houston Career Institute in Houston, TX. The program takes 940 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $18,164.
Program Overview
Dental Assisting
Train to become a vital member of a dental healthcare team. Learn chairside assisting, radiography, sterilization, and patient care in our hands-on program.
- Comprehensive Chairside TrainingTrains students in chairside dental assisting, dental anatomy, infection control, dental radiography and imaging, dental materials, restorative techniques, and dental office management at HCI's Houston campus.
- 300-Hour Externship in HoustonIncludes a 300-hour externship across a minimum of two approved Houston-area dental offices, with more than 50% of hours completed in general dentistry practices.
- Path to RDA CertificationGraduates may be eligible to sit for the TSBDE Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, the DANB Infection Control Exam (ICE), and the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and may then apply through TSBDE for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification. Graduates also receive CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Program Overview
Our Dental Assisting program prepares you for an exciting career in dental healthcare. You'll learn to assist dentists during procedures, take dental x-rays, prepare patients for treatment, and manage sterilization protocols. With hands-on training in our simulated dental lab, you'll graduate ready to excel in any dental practice.
Admission Requirements and Process
Our admissions process is simple and supportive. Apply today to begin hands-on training at our Southwest Houston campus, explore all available career training programs, or review financial aid options for those who qualify before you apply.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or a recognized high school graduation equivalent is required for admittance.
- Minimum ageApplicants must be at least 18 (or 17, with written parent or guardian approval, and must turn 18 before their expected HCI graduation date or before beginning any externships or…
- EduReady Admissions AssessmentAll prospective students must take the EduReady Admissions Assessment, a proctored, web-based assessment of fundamental math, reading, and writing skills. Modular/clock hour…
- Admissions interview in EnglishEach admissions representative conducts interviews with prospective enrollees in English only as the method to determine that the prospective enrollee understands and can function…
- Background check and drug screeningPassing a criminal background check and fingerprinting/drug screening is required for admission to the Dental Assisting program.
- Dentist's x-ray orderStudents applying to the program must provide a signed order for x-rays (18 fmx/pano) from their dentist indicating that they may have radiographs taken of them. If this cannot be…
- Online readiness for hybridStudents applying to programs offering distance education classes will complete an Online Readiness Assessment, will receive the Distance Education System/Technology Requirements…
Application Process
- 1Request InformationComplete our online inquiry form or call (713) 568-0247 to speak with an admissions representative.
- 2Meet with an Admissions RepresentativeAn admissions representative will conduct an interview, discuss your career goals, and review program options.
- 3Tour the CampusVisit our 60,000 sq ft facility with classrooms, laboratories, a student lounge, and a Learning Resource Center.
- 4Complete Entrance Assessment & Provide DocumentsProve academic readiness by achieving the required test score(s) for your intended program and submit required documentation.
- 5Sign Enrollment Agreement & Apply for Financial AidUpon acceptance, complete an enrollment agreement. Financial aid is available for those who qualify; students apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- 6Start TrainingApplicants are informed of their acceptance status within 15 days after all required information is received. Attend orientation and begin your career training!
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid for Career Training in Houston
Don't let cost be a barrier to your career goals. Financial aid options are available to help make your career training at Houston Career Institute affordable.
Federal Financial Aid Options
We offer several financial aid options to help you fund your education.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal loans available to eligible students. The loans are subsidized (government pays interest while student is in school) or unsubsidized (student must pay the interest), depending on a student's financial need. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender. The loans must be repaid with interest.
Federal Pell Grant
A federal grant for students with financial need. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent)
A federal loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover education expenses. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender. This loan must be repaid with interest.
What Will My Training Cost?
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost to attend HCI after grants and scholarships, based on your family's situation.
Important Note
Priority is given to students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) who are also Pell Grant recipients. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent)
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover education expenses. A student's dependency status is determined by the student's responses in the Student Personal Circumstances section of the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A student's biological or adoptive mother or father or the student's stepparent, if the biological parent or adoptive mother or father has remarried at the time of application. (See FAFSA Instructions regarding which parent must provide information on the FAFSA.)
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program
- Parent must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Parent must not be in default on any federal loan or owe an overpayment on a federal grant
- Parent must pass a credit check (an endorser may be obtained if denied)
- Student must have a completed FAFSA on file
Loan Amount: Currently, parents may borrow up to the student's total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid already received.
How to Apply:
- 1Student completes the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- 2Parent logs in to studentaid.gov using their own FSA ID
- 3Parent completes the Direct Parent PLUS Loan application
Grants
- Free money — does not need to be repaid
- Based on financial need
- Awarded through FAFSA
- Limited funding available
Loans
- Borrowed money — must be repaid with interest
- Available to eligible students and parents
- Multiple repayment plan options
- Grace periods may apply after graduation
Curriculum
Course & Module Breakdown
HCI's Dental Assisting curriculum at our Houston campus is structured into focused modules. Below is what students cover in each module:
The required courses below are from Las Vegas College-Houston Career Institute's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH100 | Introduction to the Healthcare Profession | 40 | 40 | 0 | 80 |
| DA101 | Dental Anatomy & Infection Control | 40 | 40 | 0 | 80 |
| DA201 | Essential Dental Assisting Skills and Procedures | 38 | 42 | 0 | 80 |
| DA301 | Dental Lab Materials | 40 | 40 | 0 | 80 |
| DA401 | Dental Chairside Assisting | 32 | 48 | 0 | 80 |
| DA501 | Dental Radiography and Imaging Systems | 32 | 48 | 0 | 80 |
| DA601 | Restorative Techniques & Dental Specialties | 40 | 40 | 0 | 80 |
| DA701 | Dental Practice Office Management | 40 | 40 | 0 | 80 |
| DA801 | Externship | 0 | 0 | 300 | 300 |
| Totals | 302 | 338 | 300 | 940 |
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
| AH100 | Introduction to the Healthcare Profession |
| DA101 | Dental Anatomy & Infection Control |
| DA201 | Essential Dental Assisting Skills and Procedures |
| DA301 | Dental Lab Materials |
| DA401 | Dental Chairside Assisting |
| DA501 | Dental Radiography and Imaging Systems |
| DA601 | Restorative Techniques & Dental Specialties |
| DA701 | Dental Practice Office Management |
| DA801 | Externship |
| Totals |
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Houston is home to a large and active healthcare sector, including a wide range of medical practices, clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, diagnostic laboratories, and specialty providers across the metro area. Graduates of HCI's Dental Assisting program may qualify for a variety of entry-level job titles, depending on the specific roles and certifications they pursue. Examples of entry-level job titles include:
- Entry-level Dental Assistant
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA — requires successful completion of TSBDE-required exams and application)
- Dental Administrative Assistant
- Dental Clinic Secretary
- Dental Receptionist
- Dental Office Manager
- Pediatric Dental Assistant
- Orthodontic Dental Assistant
- Endodontic Dental Assistant
- Dental Insurance Biller
- Dental Supply / Sales Representative
- Dental Lab Assistant
What to expect as a Las Vegas College-Houston Career Institute student
Hands-On Training
Get real-world experience in our industry-standard training facilities.
Inside Our Dental Lab
Take a virtual tour of our training facilities and see what learning here is like.