Class is in Session

Enrollment for this class is closed

Please call 903-823-3270 or email at: CE@texarkanacollege.edu to be added to the enrollment notification list for the next class. Please include phone number and name of course.

Class Schedule

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
Dates to be Determined
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Program Details

• Type: Short-term, non-credit certification program
• Length: 16 weeks
• Classroom Contact Hours: 154 hours
• Clinical Externship: 80 hours

Tuition & Fees

• Program Cost: $2,000 (includes textbooks, additional fees apply for certification exam)
• Payment Plan Available:
  • Online four-month installment plan
  • Requires credit/debit card
  • Down Payment: $500
  • Online Payment Plan Option- Enrollment Fee: $30 (non-refundable)
• Financial assistance options if funding is available
• Registration Deadline:
  • Friday, prior to class start date
  • By 3:00 PM

Course Description

Program Highlights:

• Training in dental terminology, anatomy, and procedures
• Radiology and infection control certification preparation
• CPR certification included
• Real-world clinical experience in local dental offices

Career Opportunities:
Dental assistants are in high demand and can work in general dentistry, specialty practices, and public health clinics.

Certification

After completing the course, students receive instructions on obtaining certification to be listed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. This involves:

• Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Completion of Jurisprudence Assessment
• Application Fee: $36 for RDA certificate (additional $36 for Radiology or Nitrous Oxide Monitoring certificates if desired)
• CPR Certification (already included in TC program)
• Human Trafficking Prevention Training (required by Texas law).

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in the Dental Assisting program:

• Register in person at the Community Education Center, located in the Nelson Administration Building on the Texarkana College campus.
• Complete a registration form and provide either:
  • Full payment, or
  • Enroll in the four-month payment plan (requires credit/debit card and $500 down payment plus $30 enrollment fee).

No documentation is required at the time of registration.
Required documentation will be collected prior to the clinical externship.

Optional Clinical Externship

• Hours: 80 hours of clinical experience in a local dental office
• Timing: Scheduled after completion of classroom instruction (16 weeks, 144 contact hours)
• Purpose: Provides real-world experience assisting dentists and staff in patient care, radiology, infection control, and office procedures

Requirements for Participation

• Must complete the classroom portion of the program
• Submit High School Diploma or GED to the Community Education office
• Additional costs and documentation:
  • Scrubs
  • Physical exam
  • TB skin test
  • Drug screening
  • Liability insurance (approx. $20)
  • Immunization records (Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap)

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a professional dental setting
• Enhances employability and readiness for certification with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)
• Networking opportunities with local dental practices

Diploma/GED Requirements:

Texarkana College may allow you to enroll in the Dental Assisting Program without a diploma/GED. However, certification as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) cannot be granted unless you have a high school diploma or GED, along with completing an approved RDA course and CPR training.

For more information, please call the TC Community Education Center at 903-823-3270 or click on the downloadable course description below.

Refund Policy

Students who wish to drop this course may receive a 100% refund of tuition upon request on or before the drop date listed above.
Note: Refund excludes the $30 payment plan enrollment fee, unless the course is cancelled.

Criminal Background Check

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Requirements

• Fingerprint Criminal Background Check is mandatory for all dental assistant applicants seeking certification.
• Conducted through Texas DPS and FBI using IdentoGO (digital fingerprinting service).
• Applicants cannot schedule fingerprinting until your application is submitted to TSBDE.
• Fee: Paid to IdentoGO (varies, typically $40–$50).
• If you have concerns about eligibility due to past convictions, you can request a Criminal History Evaluation from TSBDE before applying. Visit their website at: [tsbde.texas.gov] or by calling 512-463-6400