Posted December 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Dental Assistant Program in Houston, TX
So, you’re on the hunt for dental assistant programs in Houston, TX, and you’re wondering where to start. First of all, good for you for going after your dreams! Becoming a dental assistant is a career path many find rewarding. Making a big career decision like this is a significant first step in the right direction. Now, it’s time to find the best dental assistant program Houston offers!
When it comes to dental assistant programs, Houston, TX, has many options. There is something for everyone, from traditional in-person courses to online dental assistant programs, fast-track dental assistant programs, and more. Before you make your final decision, however, there are several important factors that you should consider to ensure you choose the best school among Houston’s licensed dental assistant programs.
But don’t worry; we’ll tell you exactly what you need to know to find a dental assistant program in Houston that fits your needs and goals! Let’s start by exploring what you’ll learn from whichever dental assistant program you choose.
What Will You Learn from a Dental Assistant Program in Houston, TX?
Dental assistant programs are designed to provide comprehensive training and education to aspiring dental assistants. Regardless of which dental assistant program you attend, the core curriculum will be similar.
At affordable programs like those offered at many Houston-area schools, you will learn all aspects of clinical and administrative job duties required of dental assistants. The course material typically covers a range of topics, from basic anatomy and physiology of the teeth, gums, and jaw, to more specialized areas such as dental radiology and dental office management.
In addition to basic coursework, most dental assisting programs also include hands-on training that prepares students for real-world scenarios they may face on the job. This practical training includes subjects like taking X-rays, preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment, and scheduling appointments. Programs can also include clinical training that involves assisting dentists with dental procedures.
At affordable programs like those offered at many Houston-area schools, you will learn all aspects of clinical and administrative job duties required of dental assistants.
Many dental assistant programs in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas will also cover oral health and disease topics, such as identifying signs of periodontal disease and educating patients on proper techniques for brushing and flossing. Additional subjects include infection control protocols and customer service skills.
Upon successful completion of any dental assistant program in Houston, students will have the knowledge and skills needed to be competent in their job as dental assistants.
What You Need to Know About Choosing a Dental Assistant Program in Houston
Now that you know what a traditional dental assistant program includes, it’s time to assess your options and find the best dental assistant program in Houston. The following factors are important to evaluate before choosing where to complete your training for your best chance of success.
Length
When researching dental assistant programs in the Houston area, one thing to consider is the length of the program. Some dental assistant schools have lengthy programs that take years to complete and come with a hefty tuition to match. Of course, the right length course for you depends on your goals, your schedule, and your budget.
Some students prefer more extended programs, as they feel they are getting more out of their training. However, many fast-track dental assistant programs offer just as much value–if not more–than longer, more expensive programs. For example, Houston Dental Assistant Academy offers a 12-week dental assistant program with a 40-hour externship program. Graduates of this dental assistant program leave with everything they need to start a fulfilling dental assistant career.
Cost
Another factor to contemplate in your search is the cost of the dental assistant training program. Find out what costs are associated with the program and what payment options are available. Some dental assistant schools in Houston require a large down payment and strict payment plans, while others may offer customizable payment plans.
Some schools even offer pre-payment plans that allow students to pay their tuition before class starts or before graduation. It’s essential to research and determine precisely how tuition and payments work at any dental assistant school in Houston you may be considering. What does it cost to attend the program?
Location
Houston, TX, is a large area with many dental assistant schools. However, some locations may be more convenient for you than others. Choosing a school with a location that is right for you is crucial. Some schools offer multiple locations, such as Houston Dental Assistant Academy, which provides eight locations in the Houston area.
Structure
Next, you’ll want to find a school where some dental assistant training is offered online. We suggest choosing a hybrid online dental assistant program that provides the convenience of studying anytime from anywhere while ensuring that you receive quality education and hands-on experience through in-person labs. A flexible schedule will make it easier to fit the training into your hectic schedule, making completing the program much more feasible.
Licensing
Be sure to find out if the school is licensed and regulated by the local state workforce commission. Houston Dental Assistant Academy, for example, is licensed and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), so graduates receive the same certificates as any other school in the state, enabling students to practice as dental assistants at any office in the state upon graduation.
Support
Don’t forget to research the level of support provided by the organization. Do they help students get a job after the program is complete? Some dental assistant programs offer this level of support, and others don’t. Additionally, you may want to search for schools that provide externship assistance. Getting an externship during or after your dental assistant training is a great way to establish a relationship with a local dental office and potentially secure employment in the future.
At Houston Dental Assistant Academy, students must secure an externship before completing the program. The academy’s Student Success Specialists help students identify potential opportunities in the area and assist with applications as needed.
Find Your Dental Assistant School Today
By the end of an excellent dental assistant program in Houston, students should have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of dental assisting. With the proper training and education, individuals can confidently enter the dental field with the tools they need to succeed as dental assistants. Learn more about the comprehensive dental assistant program at Houston Dental Assistant Academy, including program structure, tuition, payment plans, support, and more, at houstondentalassistant.com.
Are you looking for a job as a dental assistant in ? Houston Dental Assistant Academy is here to help. Not only do we prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to get a dental assistant job in but we also support you with career services during and after graduation.
Who to Network with for a Dental Assistant Job?
There are many great people that you already know or will meet when you attend Houston Dental Assistant Academy. Make sure to keep in touch because you never know when you need assistance looking for a new job. Plus, you may even create life-long friendships while attending Houston Dental Assistant Academy. Some of the people to lean on when looking for a dental assistant job in include:
Family and Friends
Classmates and Instructors
Career Services Staff
No one knows you better than your family and friends. Most of us want to help out our loved ones if we have the chance. Remind your loved ones that you are looking for a job as a dental assistant and they can keep their eyes peeled for dental assistant jobs in .
A great benefit of attending Houston Dental Assistant Academy is the networking you will do with fellow classmates and instructors. It is important to build a network and keep in touch with them throughout your career. You never know when you will have a gap in your employment, and you need to reach out to your network for help finding a dental assistant job in .
When you are ready to find a dental assistant job in , Houston Dental Assistant Academy is here to help. We support you with resume building, interview prep, and job matching services. Many dental facilities and physician’s offices in look to Houston Dental Assistant Academy for fully trained dental assistant graduates that are ready to start working on day one. At Houston Dental Assistant Academy, we may hear about dental assistant job openings even before the general public. We have h3 ties to community employers, and we help you fill any employment gaps you may encounter during your career.
Where To Look for Dental Assistant Jobs?
In addition to our career services at Houston Dental Assistant Academy, you may also find great opportunities with a little hard work and commitment. Whether you meet employers at physician’s offices, attend job fairs or review social media and job websites, the opportunities to become a dental assistant in are endless. Some of the social media and job sites to join include:
LinkedIn
ZipRecruiter
Additional Job Listing Websites
Hit the Pavement
LinkedIn is both a social media and job listing website. You can join the LinkedIn community and connect with classmates, instructors, former employers, and those working at physician’s offices in . LinkedIn also has a robust job section with thousands of dental related jobs available in the . You can create an account, apply for jobs at local hospitals and physician’s offices in , build your network, join like-minded individuals in groups, and read posts of LinkedIn members that are working in medicine in .
ZipRecruiter is a great place to find a dental assistant job in . LinkedIn also has a robust job section with thousands of dental related jobs available in the . You can create an account, apply for jobs at local hospitals and physician’s offices in . There are thousands of listings for dental assistants in . LinkedIn also has a robust job section with thousands of dental related jobs available in the . You can create an account, apply for jobs at local hospitals and physician’s offices in and lots of part-time and full-time job opportunities. You can post your resume for employers to view, and you can review the job opportunities that dental facilities in . LinkedIn also has a robust job section with thousands of dental related jobs available in the . You can create an account, apply for jobs at local hospitals and physician’s offices in have listed on ZipRecruiter.
There are quite a few job listing websites that you can join and upload your resume to. Employers in are constantly reviewing resumes and inviting candidates for interviews. Some of the more popular job listing websites include Indeed, SimplyHired, Glassdoor, and Monster. However, don’t get overwhelmed by the many options to find a dental assistant job in . Focus on a couple of job listing websites and allow our career services staff to supplement your search with our job opportunities at dental facilities in .
Don’t just rely on employers to contact you through job listing websites. It is important to actively look for job opportunities because not all dental assistant jobs in will be a good fit. You want to really enjoy your job, minimize your commute, and work alongside colleagues that care about their patients. Take the time to contact hospitals, physician’s offices, and dental facilities in to learn about all the opportunities available so you can find one that fits your passion. And don’t forget to interview your potential employer as they interview you, so you can pick the job that is right for your needs.
How Do I Become a Dental Assistant?
An easy way to gain the knowledge and skills to become a dental assistant in is by attending Houston Dental Assistant Academy. At Houston Dental Assistant Academy you lay a foundation of dental assisting knowledge that you can build upon throughout your career. You are trained by industry experienced instructors and make life-long relationships with fellow classmates. And as mentioned earlier, we offer career services to help prepare you for the workforce in .
During the program at Houston Dental Assistant Academy, you get hands-on experience to put classroom theory into practice and prepare for your first day as a dental assistant in . You will also get a mix of both online lectures and in-person training as we offer a flexible schedule as well as online learning.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to find a dental assistant job in , it is time to learn more about Houston Dental Assistant Academy. And, if you are ready to become a dental assistant in , Houston Dental Assistant Academy as the program you are looking for to find a dental assistant job that matches your passion.
Interested in graduating from a dental assistant program in ? The Dental Assistant training program at Houston Dental Assistant Academy has helped thousands of people start a new career in the dental field at a fraction of the cost of other schools. We help you graduate debt free from Houston Dental Assistant Academy by offering affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
Contact Houston Dental Assistant Academy today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant in .
Lisa Leslie
Lead Copywriter
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Lead Copywriter
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Lisa Leslie, a professional copywriter based in New Hampshire, is the Content Manager and Lead Copywriter at Zollege, the parent company of a network of over 120 medical assistant and dental assistant schools ...