Dental Assistant Training
A Career in Dental Assisting Begins Here
Direct Patient Care
Dental Assisting in Action
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).
- 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.
- Watch the Info Session video here!
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
Steps to Enroll
Collin Pre-Admission Application Packet
Complete the Collin Pre-Admission Application Packet and email to cehealthcare@collin.edu
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.
Course Outcomes
- Understand oral anatomy and dental terminology
- Understand x-ray theory and techniques (exposure methods, darkroom care and maintenance, x-ray safety)
- Develop x-rays
- Understand different impression materials and their uses
- Pour models and trim
- Use different sterilization techniques
- Participate in chairside assisting and suctioning
- Know different dental instruments and materials and their proper care and sterilization
- Make temporaries and wax bites
- Discuss dental emergencies and appropriate procedures
- Use proper telephone techniques and appointment book control
- Understand all aspects of billing
- File insurance forms and pre-treatment estimates
- Function effectively in many dental administrative and clerical positions
- Describe the roles of a professional dental assistant
- Manage health information and records according to privacy policies
- Identify the many dental instruments and their use
- Describe how to perform many dental assisting procedures
- Assist the dental office in the event of an emergency
Textbook, Tuition, & Uniform Information
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 5285
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.
Other Information
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 $39.
Employment Opportunities
Job Titles
Dental Assistant
Registered Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant
Job Locations
Dental offices
Orthodontic offices
Contact Us
email: CEHealthCare@collin.edu
phone: 972-985-3761
Schedule Options
Click HERE for schedule options
Mandatory Externship
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 are assigned to externship on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Externship meets 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at the assigned clinic. The fee for externship is $300 plus a small liability insurance fee.
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: DNTA 1015
Course Hours: 100
Fee: $1,695
Clinical Hours (required): 50
Fee: $300
Total in fees: $1,995 (not including insurance liability fee)
Insurance Liability: $11 (non-refundable)
Textbook purchased separately.
Black scrubs are required for class
Information Sheet
Click HERE for information sheet