Dental Assisting
About the Program
The Dental Assisting Program of the Houston Community College is a one-year (12-month) program, in which the student learns the skills necessary to become a Dental Assistant in both classrooms and onsite labs.
AWARD TYPES: Associate of Applied Science, Certificate Level 1
AREA OF STUDY: Health Sciences
Degrees and Certificates
Allied Health - Dental Assisting - AAS
Associate of Applied Science
Dental Assisting - Certificate Level 1
Certificate Level 1
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Application of four-handed dentistry concepts.
Systematically collect diagnostic patient data.
Manage infection and hazard control protocol consistent with published professional guidelines.
Perform dental office business procedures.
Dental Assistant Information Session
Learn more about the Dental Assistant Program by completing an online information session.
The online information session is a mandatory requirement of the admission process.
Once you have completed the information session, you will receive an email containing the admissions application.
Start an online Info sessionProgram Information
A Career in Dental Assisting
Dental Assistants work under the supervision of a licensed dentist and assist in the care and treatment of dental patients. They perform a variety of important functions in the dental office. As a vital member of the dental health team, the dental assistant prepares the patient for treatment, provides the dentist with necessary instruments, instructs patients in proper oral hygiene, records dental services, and performs various laboratory procedures and managerial duties for the office.
Employment may be sought as a chairside assistant, receptionist, and office manager to the general or specialty dentist in private offices, clinics, and institutions. The average starting salary for an HCCS Dental Assisting graduate ranges between $10 and $14 hourly.
Essential Functions
All individuals who apply for admission to the Dental Assisting Program must beable to perform essential functions included in this document either with or without accommodations. These essential functions are congruent with theTexas State Board ofDental Examiners, the Dental Assisting National Board and the Commission on Dental Accreditation expectations of any individual seeking Certification or Registration as a Dental Assistant.
Click here to download and review the Essential Functions for the Dental Assisting program.
Licensure/Certification Exam Results
2019 Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results
Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). Results for the 2017 and 2018 calendar years are provided for comparison.
| Program/Aligned Award | Agency Standard | HCC Standard | 2017 Pass Rate (# Passed) | 2018 Pass Rate (# Passed) | 2019 Pass Rate (# Passed) | 2019 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting C1 | n/a | 75% | 100%(16) | 100%(12) | 100%(14) | Exceeds Expectation |
Employment
There are 6,685 Dental Assistants employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 10.8% over the next four years.
- The estimated annual job openings is 370 jobs a year.
- Median Wages - $16.10 hourly, $33,000 annually
Resources
Search for a Dental Assistant Professor or request more information
Get in touch
Dental Assisting
Kay Jukes
kay.jukes@hccs.edu
Rosalva R Perez
rosie.perez@hccs.edu