A Career in Dental Assisting Begins Here
Direct Patient Care
Dental Assisting in Action
Overview
The focus of the Dental Assistant Training will be on learning the techniques of dental theory and terminology, four-handed chair side procedures, exposing and processing dental radiographs (x-rays), introduction to digital and panoramic radiology, infection control standards, obtaining impressions of the oral cavity for the fabrication of study models and custom trays used for vital bleaching procedures, preparing dental materials, and fabrication of provisional coverage (temporary crowns).
Watch the Info Session video to learn more about Dental Assistant Training at Collin College.
Program Requirements
- 100 hours of classroom and lab experience at the newly remodeled Dental Hygiene Clinic at the McKinney campus of Collin College
- 50 hours of clinical time at a local dental facility
- Students must successfully complete both classroom and clinical portions to be exam-eligible
- This dental assisting program is designed to prepare students to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health care team. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam is included in this course. Students must bring a scantron for the exam.
Please note that placement into the clinical course requires a drug screening and criminal background check. In addition, the clinical sites may require certain vaccines.
Dental Assistant Training
Complete the Collin Pre-Admission Application Packet no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of class. Late applications will be considered
for the next available class.
Individuals will be selected to meet via Zoom for an interview with the Program Manager.
Selected individuals will be notified via email once authorization to enroll has been
granted.
Essentials of Dental Assisting, Edition 7
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 9780323764025
*Access Code required for access to online textbook content
Course Information:
The TSBDE RDA exam is included in the cost of this course. Students will need to purchase scantron forms from the bookstore before the course exam.
Course Number: DENT 1015
Course Hours: 100
Fee: $1,695
Clinical Hours (required): 50
Fee: $300
Total in fees: (not including insurance liability fee): $1,995
Insurance Liability: $11 (non-refundable)
Textbook purchased separately
Black scrubs are required for class.
Once this course is successfully complete, please see the TSBDE Dental Assistant webpage for a list of requirements for obtaining your RDA license. To apply for the license, please fill out the online TSBDE Dental Assistant Permit Application Form and choose X-Ray. There is an application fee of approximately which is determined by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
Email: CEHealthCare@collin.edu
Phone: 972-985-3761
All Dental Assistant students are required to complete a 50 hour externship the last three weeks of class in order to sit for the State Board Exam. Students will complete 12 - 18 clinical hours per week for 3 weeks in 4, 6, or 8 hours shifts at their contracted clinical site. All assignments are submitted online through Canvas each week. The fee for externship is $300 plus a small liability insurance fee.