As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, the demand for health care services is growing just as rapidly. Dental health care is one area of health care that has grown the most, requiring increased utilization of dental assistants to keep up with the demand. A dental assistant performs a variety of chairside assisting duties and related office and laboratory procedures under the supervision of the dentist. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a shortage of dental assistants through the year 2020.

Admissions Requirements:  The Dental Assistant Program selects their students by application to the Program.  Once the maximum number of students are accepted, a waiting list is created.  The Dental Assistant Program urges its students to enroll as soon as possible or risk not being accepted. 

• The Dental Assistant program follows the TSTC health professions program grading scale. The student must maintain a numerical average of 78 or better in each required major course to receive the Certificate of Completion.

Clinical Entry Requirements

Before enrolling in clinical study, a student must have on file with the department the following materials:

• Results of prescribed physical examination.
• Proof of required immunizations.
• Proof of liability insurance of at least $1 million, health and accident insurance and needlestick insurance (available through TSTC)

* Proof of achievement of at least a "100" level in Reading.