Houston Community College
The Dental Assisting Program at Houston Community College (HCC) is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the dental field. The program is a one-year (12-month) course that combines classroom learning and onsite labs, providing the skills necessary to become a qualified dental assistant.
Program Structure and Content
The Dental Assisting Program offers two types of awards:
- Certificate Level 1
- Associate of Applied Science
The curriculum covers various areas, including four-handed dentistry concepts, diagnostic patient data collection, infection and hazard control, and dental office business procedures. The program also includes a clinical component where students gain hands-on experience at affiliated healthcare facilities.
Cost and Financial Information
The estimated cost for the program:
| Expense Type | Off Campus | Off Campus with Family |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees (In-District) | $4,344 | $4,344 |
| Tuition and Fees (Out-of-District) | $5,676 | $5,676 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Food and Housing | $11,860 | $3,210 |
| Other Expenses | $5,490 | $4,050 |
| Total (In-District) | $23,694 | $13,604 |
| Total (Out-of-District) | $25,026 | $14,936 |
These costs include tuition, books, uniforms, immunizations, and other supplies. Students should be aware that additional expenses may apply, such as background checks, CPR certification, and parking fees. Out-of-district and out-of-state students will have higher tuition rates.
Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to help manage costs.
Requirements for Enrollment
To enroll in the Dental Assisting Program, students must meet several requirements:
- Complete a criminal background check, drug screening, and other health requirements.
- Submit immunization records, including proof of COVID-19 vaccination if required by clinical sites.
- Obtain a minimum grade of C (70%) or better in all courses to progress through the program.
Students must also meet all clinical requirements and may be required to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status depending on clinical site policies.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Dental Assisting Program can pursue various roles, such as chairside assistants, receptionists, and office managers in dental offices, clinics, and institutions. The starting salary for a dental assistant in the Houston area typically ranges from $16 to $20 per hour, with an increasing demand for professionals in this field. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by 10.8% over the next four years in the Greater Houston Area.
How to Enroll
There are two enrollment options for this program:
- Center for Healthcare Professionals: Individual students can register for scheduled courses held at HCC Coleman College in the Dental Hygiene Clinic. For more information, contact them via email at [email protected] or call 713-718-7796.
- HCC Corporate College: Dental offices or clinics can host a class for a group of ten or more students at their facility. Contact them via email at [email protected] or call 713-718-5455 for more details.
For further details on the Dental Assisting Program, including the full degree plan, you can visit the HCC Dental Assisting Program page.