South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting program helps prepare you to pursue a career in dentistry. This 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 our externships provide valuable real-world experiences.
What is a Dental Assistant?
The Dental Assisting program focuses on the specific tasks and tasks associated with dental practice management. When dental assistants are engaged, they will perform a wide range of tasks that are not typical of the dental hygienist role. Dental assistants will:
- Provide dental care using sterile techniques and instruments;
- Surgical fillings, capping and root canals, root canal extractions, and other dental procedures;
- Treat mouth diseases and deliver certain medications, such as antibiotics;
- Perform cosmetic treatments, including tooth whitening, tooth coloration, and oral hygiene instructions;
Administer the flu shot or immunization shots.
Section 2: Undergraduate or Pre-Dental Courses
Our Dental Assisting program does not offer graduate degree programs.
Why Attend South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting Program?
Our program helps you earn a high-quality dental assisting degree by combining a dynamic, hands-on learning experience with quality clinical instruction.
Course length
34 weeks (one school year)
Majors
Dental Assisting
How to Apply
Apply online at http://www.sdttc.edu/DentalAssisting.php
The dental assisting program is expected to accept about 75 students every school year.
Our dental assisting program welcomes both full-time and part-time students. The school year for our part-time students runs January – December. We also have a second, summer semester for dental assisting students.
Students will meet face-to-face with instructors for five face-to-face classes per week.
What are the Requirements to Attend STVTI’s Dental Assisting Program?
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and pass a pre-enrollment exam.
Students must have a high school diploma or a GED or be high school graduates, with an acceptable high school grade point average, with an acceptable weighted GPA.
Attend an orientation session on the campus of South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in Harlingen. Orientation is required for all applicants.
Students must have a valid state driver’s license and complete a TB test and the physical.
To learn more about STVTI’s dental assisting program, including application deadlines, visit the program information page at the official website for the school at www.stvti.edu/dental-assisting.
Stop by for an individual consultation from a dental assisting instructor on campus.
Contact Information
Dr.
How Long Is the Dental Assisting Program at STVTI?
The Dental Assisting program at STVTI is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry after graduation. Dental Assisting students can complete a full course of study in a single year by taking the first class after attending the Dental Assisting Orientation. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a nationally recognized license to practice dental assisting and will be eligible for a competitive salary.
STVTI Dental Assisting students complete 200 hours of on-campus coursework each semester. These classes include Oral Anatomy and Physiology, Laboratory Technology, Basic Skills and Vocational Studies. You will complete 30 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of clinical training in a local dental office.
What Are the Courses That Students Are Required to Take in the Dental Assisting Program?
We offer 3 specific courses to satisfy the requirements for the course work needed to apply for certification. You may choose from any combination of these courses. The Core classes are mandatory and should be taken at the start of each semester. In order to apply for certification, the student must pass all Core courses. The following Core courses are required:
- Professional Assisting
- Personal Health & Hygiene
- Hypothesis Testing and Appraisal
- Leadership
- Operations Management
- Employee Relations
- Extracurricular Activities and Student Organizations
All dental assistants must complete a minimum of 2 hours of educational volunteer work every year.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting Program?
Students are only required to pay a nominal registration fee for this program. The cost of the program is affordable and can be paid in a single payment. The basic program includes 104 hours of instruction and all classes and clinicals. These courses are in accordance with the educational requirements outlined by the American Dental Assisting Association, and they include 4 hours of theory instruction, 4 hours of clinical instruction, an externship and testing.
Are There Any Other Requirements to Register for the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting Program?
It is mandatory to complete a pre-requisite to our dental assisting program before enrollment begins.
Tips for Applying to Dentist Assistant School in Texas
To be successful in the field of dental assisting, the dental assistant must possess certain specific qualities. These are generally found in the application requirements of the program.
It is important that applicants have knowledge and experience with basic skills in the healthcare field. This will lead to a more successful application.
See also: How Much Do Dental Assistants Make In Texas: Find Out the Facts!
Apply now
Schools have limited applications. Applying early gives you a chance to interview with the program, and get in on the program you want. If you aren’t accepted into a program, don’t worry! There are multiple dental assisting programs across the country.
Read: Interview Tips for a Job as a Dental Assistant
Try to keep in mind that dental assisting is not a career option for everyone.
Conclusion
You might have some questions or concerns before you start any program. You can rely on this guide to help you understand how dental assisting programs work.
Here are some important things to consider before you enroll:
- What is the purpose of a dental assistant program?
- What are the prerequisites?
- What programs are accredited?
- Who is eligible?
- Are there career opportunities in dental assisting?
You can rely on this comprehensive list of dental assisting schools in Texas to find the perfect program for your career needs.
We hope that you found this guide helpful. We also invite you to share it with your friends on social media to help them choose the best program for their education.
Thank you for your time!
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