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Dental Assisting Program

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Dental Assisting Program Details

South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting program helps prepare you to pursue a career in dentistry. This career training program provides instruction on the skills to be a dental assistant and an important member of the team. Our dental assisting program emphasizes hands-on learning and patient and workplace safety. Our curriculum focuses on helping prepare students for common tasks and situations in the dental workplace, and the externship portion of the program provides valuable real-world experiences. STVT is proud to offer a dental assisting program in South Texas. This program is offered at our Brownsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Weslaco campuses.

Diploma: 68 Credit Hours, 15 Months. Corpus Christi and McAllen, TX.

*STVT cannot guarantee job placement, salary or employment

*STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

What’s Covered

Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.

Study the basics of microbiology, and learn proper decontamination and sterilization processes to minimize the risk of infection for healthcare professionals and patients.

Learn how teeth develop over time and the structure of different teeth like incisors, canines, molars, and more.

Study the anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity, while learning common dental terminology to properly describe various structures.

Study the use and interaction of commonly used medications during dental procedures.

Learn how to use AED machines and provide CPR and first aid to quickly handle emergencies that may occur during dental procedures.

Practice taking, reading, and processing dental x-rays.

Practice performing administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, updating records, storing patient information, and more.

Career Outlook

Boasting the second highest employment level across the nation, Texas offers exciting opportunities for aspiring assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average nationwide growth through 2033, making it an appealing choice for those wanting to enter the healthcare industry.

Graduates of our Dental Assisting program be qualified for entry-level roles* as:

  • Dental assistants
  • Records technicians

*The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the length of your training program. While degree programs can take up to two years, most certificate or diploma programs can be finished in about a year. At STVT, you can complete our Dental Assisting program in about 15 months.

At STVT, we accept financial aid, it’s available for those who qualify. We also offer different scholarship options to help students cover the cost of their tuition.

Yes, you can be a dental assistant without a degree in Texas.

While you don’t need to be registered for entry-level dental assisting roles in Texas, it may be required to do certain tasks. To legally take and process dental x-rays, you need to become a registered dental assistant.

Dental assisting can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in career growth, quick entry into the healthcare industry, and helping others. This profession offers a unique combination of hands-on work and patient interaction, making it ideal for those who enjoy helping others and working in a collaborative environment.

Ready To Enroll?

Start at STVT to begin the healthcare career training you’ve been dreaming of. Our flexible scheduling and affordable options make it a great  place for you to pursue your degree in Dental Assisting. Talk to an admissions representative today.