Houston Career Institute
HOUSTON CAREER INSTITUTE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM

Ready to Help Patients Smile? Train as a Dental Assistant at HCI

Learn chairside assisting, dental x-rays, sterilization, and patient care in a simulated dental lab, then put those skills to work during a 300-hour externship in at least two Houston-area dental offices. Graduate in as few as 11 months. Financial aid available for those who qualify.

Graduate in as Few as 11 Months
Hands-On Practice in a Simulated Dental Lab
Prepares You for the Exams on the Texas RDA Path
CPR Certification from the American Heart Association

Request Dental Assisting Info

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940 Clock HoursIncluding a 300-hour dental office externship
ACCSC AccreditedAccredited career training school in Houston
Small ClassesPersonal attention throughout your training
Pell Grants & LoansFederal financial aid for students who qualify
WHY TRAIN AS A DENTAL ASSISTANT?

Work alongside dentists and make a real difference in patient care.

Dental assistants are a vital part of the dental healthcare team. From chairside assisting and dental radiography to impressions, study models, and sterilization, you will practice the hands-on skills dental offices rely on. Small classes mean personal attention, and the program is offered at our ACCSC-accredited Southwest Houston campus on Bissonnet Street.

Learn by Doing, Chairside

Build confidence with hands-on practice in HCI's simulated dental lab, where small classes give you personal attention as you learn chairside, x-ray, and sterilization skills.

Real Dental Office Experience

Your DA801 externship totals 300 supervised hours in at least two approved Houston-area dental offices, and more than half of those hours take place in general dentistry practices.

Graduate in as Few as 11 Months

Finish 640 hours of training at our Southwest Houston campus and a 300-hour externship in Houston-area dental offices in as few as 11 months.

Financial Aid for Those Who Qualify

HCI is approved for federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans for students who qualify, and also offers institutional payment plans.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Inside HCI's 940-Hour Dental Assisting Curriculum

CAMPUS
9700 Bissonnet Street, Houston
PROGRAM LENGTH
As few as 11 months
CLOCK HOURS
940 total, 300 in externship
ADMISSION
High school diploma or GED

Eight 80-hour modules build your clinical and front-office skills before your 300-hour externship.

  • Healthcare profession basics, dental anatomy, and dental terminology
  • Four-handed dentistry and chairside assisting techniques
  • Taking dental x-rays and working with dental imaging systems
  • Instrument sterilization and infection control protocols
  • Dental lab materials, impressions, and study models
  • Restorative techniques and an introduction to dental specialties
  • Patient communication and oral health education
  • Front-office operations, including patient scheduling and insurance
Is Dental Assisting Right for You?If you want a hands-on healthcare career working directly with patients, dental assisting could be a strong fit. Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, take x-rays, and prepare patients for treatment. Houston's dental community ranges from neighborhood general dentistry offices to pediatric, orthodontic, and cosmetic practices across the metro area. HCI graduates may pursue entry-level titles such as dental assistant, dental receptionist, dental lab assistant, dental insurance biller, or orthodontic dental assistant. With experience and additional training, some career paths lead toward specialty, expanded functions, or office management roles. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, drug screenings, or state licensure not provided by HCI. HCI does not guarantee employment.
Program training

CERTIFICATION PATHWAY

Your Path Toward the Texas RDA Credential

Three Exams on the RDA PathYour path toward the Texas RDA runs through three exams: the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment and DANB's Infection Control (ICE) and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exams. HCI's curriculum is built to prepare you to sit for all three, and graduates may then apply through TSBDE.
American Heart Association CPRGraduates of the Dental Assisting program also receive CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Placement Assistance After GraduationOnce you graduate, Career Services keeps working with you: polishing your resume, rehearsing interviews, and making introductions to Houston dental practices and local healthcare employer partners. Placement help is provided; employment is not guaranteed.
YOUR NEXT STEPS

Four Steps Toward the Dental Chair

Here is how to go from your first question to your first dental office externship.

Connect with Admissions

Send the form to ask about tuition, start dates, and financial aid. HCI admissions meets individually with each applicant to review documents and discuss next steps.

Train in the Lab and Classroom

Work through eight 80-hour modules at our Southwest Houston campus, from dental anatomy and infection control to radiography, chairside assisting, and office management.

Complete Your Externship

Apply your skills over 300 supervised hours in at least two approved Houston-area dental offices.

Pursue Your Texas RDA

Prepare for the TSBDE and DANB exams on the path to the Registered Dental Assistant credential, with Career Services support as you begin your job search. Employment is not guaranteed.

YOUR FUTURE CAN START NOW

Find Out If HCI's Dental Assisting Program Fits Your Goals

Request information to learn about tuition, financial aid for those who qualify, admission requirements, and upcoming start dates. There is no obligation to enroll.

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