6 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Austin, TX

Austin Dental Assistant School is a short-term program for students who want a faster and lower-cost route into dental assisting.

It is designed for beginners who want online lessons during the week and hands-on practice in a dental office setting.

Programs Offered

The school offers a 12-week Dental Assistant program.

Students learn chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, dental materials, patient care, dental office basics, X-ray preparation, impressions, and career skills.

Tuition and Cost

Tuition is about $3,650.

Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:

• Tuition: about $3,650
• Weekly payment plans: as low as about $100 per week
• Books and supplies: ask if included
• Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
• CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
• Transportation: varies

Program Length

The program takes about 12 weeks.

Austin Community College is one of the main public college options in the Austin area.

It is a good fit for students who want a lower-cost public college route or an online dental assistant course connected to a recognized local institution.

Programs Offered

ACC offers dental assistant-related training through continuing education and career training options.

Students may study dental terminology, dental anatomy, infection control, patient care, dental office procedures, chairside assisting basics, radiology basics, and exam preparation.

Tuition and Cost

Students should confirm current continuing education pricing before enrolling.

A practical budget may include:

• Course tuition: about $2,000 to $3,500
• Books and materials: ask if included
• Exam voucher: ask if included
• CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
• Scrubs or supplies: about $50 to $150 if needed
• Optional hands-on training costs: varies

Program Length

Online clinical dental assistant courses are usually self-paced.

Many students should expect several months to complete the course, depending on weekly study time.

The College of Health Care Professions has an Austin campus and offers healthcare career training.

It is a good fit for students who want a longer private-school dental assistant program with a structured schedule.

Programs Offered

CHCP offers a Dental Assistant Certificate program.

The program includes chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, dental office procedures, patient care, dental anatomy, and hands-on clinical skills.

Tuition and Cost

Students should request the current Austin campus cost sheet before enrolling.

A practical private-school budget may include:

• Tuition and fees: about $16,000 to $20,000
• Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
• Uniforms and lab materials: about $100 to $500
• Registration or school fees: varies
• Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
• Transportation to externship: varies

Program Length

The program can often be completed in about 36 weeks.

Southern Careers Institute has an Austin campus and offers career-focused healthcare training.

It is a good option for students who want a private career-school format with labs, instructors, and job-search support.

Programs Offered

SCI offers a Dental Assistant program.

Training includes chairside assisting, dental radiology, infection control, dental impressions, dental materials, patient care, office procedures, and preparation for entry-level dental office work.

Tuition and Cost

Students should confirm current campus pricing before enrolling.

A practical private-school budget may include:

• Tuition and fees: about $15,000 to $20,000
• Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
• Uniforms: about $50 to $200
• Lab materials: ask if included
• Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
• Transportation: varies

Program Length

The program is commonly completed in about 36 to 40 weeks.

Texas Dental Assisting Academy offers short dental assistant training in Central Texas.

It may be useful for Austin-area students who want a faster program with practical dental office skills.

Programs Offered

The school offers dental assistant training for entry-level students.

Training may include chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, infection control, patient care, dental materials, dental office basics, and radiology preparation.

Tuition and Cost

Students should confirm current tuition before enrolling.

A practical short-program budget may include:

• Tuition: about $3,000 to $6,500
• Books and supplies: about $100 to $500
• Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
• CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150
• X-ray or registration fees: about $100 to $500
• Payment plan fees: vary

Program Length

Short dental assistant programs usually run about 10 to 12 weeks.

Students should confirm the current Austin-area class schedule before enrolling.

Texas Health School and similar online career training providers may be useful for Austin students who need flexible dental assistant preparation.

This is best for students who are comfortable learning online and can arrange hands-on practice separately.

Programs Offered

Online dental assistant courses may cover dental anatomy, dental terminology, infection control, chairside assisting basics, radiology basics, patient care, dental records, dental office procedures, and exam preparation.

Students should ask whether the course includes a voucher for the NELDA or CDA-related exam and whether externship support is available.

Tuition and Cost

A practical online-course budget may include:

• Course tuition: about $2,000 to $3,500
• Books and materials: ask if included
• Exam voucher: ask if included
• CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
• Scrubs or supplies: about $50 to $150 if needed
• Optional hands-on training costs: varies

Program Length

The course is usually online and self-paced.

Many students should expect several months to complete it, depending on weekly study time.