The DRTA Dental Assistant School in Dallas provides a short-term, intensive program designed to prepare students for certification as a Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in just seven weeks. This program focuses on hands-on training, job placement support, and a curriculum led by industry professionals.
Program Overview
The DRTA Dental Assistant School Dallas offers a fast-paced, seven-week program that prepares students for a career in dental assisting. In-person classes are structured to provide practical, hands-on experience, which is emphasized as critical for this career. Through training, students gain the necessary skills to pass the Dental Assisting Certification Exam, a prerequisite for becoming an RDA in Texas. The program covers essential skills such as taking x-rays, performing dental treatments, taking impressions, and managing patient interactions.
Hands-On Training
This program focuses heavily on hands-on experience. Students work with real dental equipment and perform tasks that simulate a dental office environment, including taking x-rays and performing cleanings. This approach helps students build the muscle memory and confidence needed to perform well in real-world dental settings. The program’s emphasis on hands-on training distinguishes it from online programs that may lack practical application.
Evening and Weekend Classes
To support students balancing work or other commitments, DRTA Dental Assistant School offers evening and weekend classes. This flexible schedule makes it easier for individuals with full-time jobs or family responsibilities to pursue a new career path. Classes are held three evenings per week from 6 PM to 10 PM, ensuring that students can maintain their daytime commitments while completing their training.
Financial Aid and Payment Options
The tuition for the program is $2,995 with a grant or $3,470 without it, which includes the cost of books, supplies, and the RDA exam preparation. DRTA offers a payment plan without a credit check or interest fees, which is structured as follows:
- Initial Deposit: $750 to hold a spot in the class
- First Day of Class Payment: $400
- Monthly Payments: $265 every fourth Monday until paid in full
Financing is available for all applicants, regardless of credit history, making this program accessible to students of diverse financial backgrounds.
Job Placement Assistance
DRTA claims a job placement rate of 78.5% for its graduates. This assistance is designed to help students transition smoothly into the workforce, providing resume guidance, interview preparation, and networking opportunities within the dental industry. For students looking for quick entry into the dental field, this high placement rate is a notable advantage.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum at DRTA is comprehensive and includes training in the following areas:
- Dental Basics: Anatomy, radiography, dental treatments, and preventive care
- Advanced Skills: Taking impressions, managing patient care, handling dental equipment
- Texas-Specific Regulations: An overview of Texas dental laws and guidelines, preparing students for real-world application
With small class sizes of 6-8 students, the program emphasizes individualized instruction, allowing instructors to address specific student needs and ensure thorough understanding of each topic.
Specialized Training Options
DRTA provides additional training in pediatric, orthodontic, and oral surgery assisting. For those interested in specializing, this program offers modules focused on advanced care techniques and child-friendly approaches in pediatric dental care. The program also touches on advanced dental technologies, including digital imaging, to ensure students are familiar with the tools commonly used in modern dental practices.
In-Person vs. Online Learning
The DRTA program is exclusively in-person, which is a key component of its approach. Unlike online programs, which may lack accountability and hands-on practice, in-person learning at DRTA allows students to engage with instructors directly, ask questions, and practice their skills in a supervised environment. This traditional classroom setting is beneficial for retaining information and building meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
Prerequisites
To enroll in DRTA’s Dental Assistant Program, prospective students must meet the following prerequisites:
- No specific academic prerequisites are listed, making this program accessible to a broad range of applicants.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check: Students may need to undergo a background check as required by Texas dental regulations.
Reasons to Consider This School
The DRTA Dental Assistant School offers a short-term, hands-on training program that supports quick entry into the dental field, with flexible evening and weekend classes. Strengths include job placement support, small class sizes, and a 78.5% placement rate. However, the program’s in-person requirement may be a drawback for students seeking remote learning options.
Category | Description |
Cost | $2,995 (with grant) / $3,470 (without grant) |
Program Duration | 7 weeks |
Class Schedules | Evenings and weekends |
Classes Offered | Dental Assisting, Texas RDA Certification preparation |
Admission Requirements | Age 18+, possible background check |
Online Classes? | No |
Job Placement? | Yes, with a 78.5% placement rate |
Financial Aid Options | Payment plans with no credit check, $475 grant available |
Location | 1110 West Shore Dr #300 E, Richardson, TX 75080 |
Phone | 214-914-1535 |
[email protected] | |
Website | dentalassistantschooldallas.com |
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