Dental Assistant Certificate Program

Certificate

Pursue a new career in the booming dental health care industry as a Dental Assistant. Dental assistants help patients of all ages by performing essential clinical tasks, preparing examination spaces, and providing chairside assistance under a dentist's supervision.

Attention to safety, precision, communication, and critical-thinking skills are essential because patients depend on your professional care. Dental assistants are in high demand across private practices, community dental clinics, orthopedic clinics, and diverse specialized long-term care settings.

Important Dates

Next Start Date

9/14/26

Dental Assistant Certificate

Certificate

Through hands-on labs and classes, students train with instructors with years of health care experience. CPR training is included. Students also gain workforce skills and learn from other professionals in clinicals at local health care facilities.

Length

2 to 3 months

Costs

Not available at this time

Mode

In-Person and Clinicals

Important Links

Prerequisites:

Applicants need a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate. Individuals without a GED are encouraged to contact Adult Education to get started.

Certification

Completing this program includes BLS CPR certification and Texas Registered Dental Assistant exam review.

Dental assistants’ role often includes taking X-rays, recordkeeping and managing equipment. The position is a great launching pad to become a dental hygienist or dentist.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about admissions or want to speak to someone in the program, our enrollment team is ready to help.

Enrollment Management

enrollment@com.edu

409-938-1211

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Program Requirements

Students applying for the Dental Assistant Certificate are required to submit a background check (criminal history report) directly through DPS, carry health insurance, and have a current medical history form on file.

Applicants need a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate. Individuals without a GED are encouraged to contact Adult Education to get started.

Clinical sites require participants to have:

Updated immunizations
Background checks
Drug screens
Verified IDs

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

*Students will be required to pay for the UTHSCSA Modules (approximately $95) due near the end of the program. The instructor will be able to provide specific due dates.

Steps to Admission

An application is required prior to registration.
Applicants need a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate. Contact Adult Education office at 409-933-8294 if you do not meet the diploma requirement.
Clinical sites require participants to have updated immunizations, background checks, drug screens, and verified ID. This cost is paid by the program applicant.
Dental Assistant Application

Notice to Students Regarding Licensing

Under Texas Law (HB 1508), potential or enrolled students are notified that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. This notice is provided to all applicants regardless of criminal background.

Licensing Information: Review Texas licensing requirements at hhs.texas.gov.
CNA Requirements: Compare your background directly against Texas Nurse Aide regulations at hhs.texas.gov/licensing-credentialing-regulation.
Evaluate Your Background: Before or during your enrollment, you can request an official "Criminal History Evaluation" online through the Texas DPS Secure Site.

Note: Per HB 1508, education providers that fail to issue this required notice may be responsible for reimbursing a student's tuition and testing fees if the student is later denied a license due to criminal history.