Houston Community College – Coleman College for Health Sciences

The Dental Assisting program offers training in both clinical and administrative functions that are vital in today’s dental offices. Students will gain knowledge and experience in:

• Four-handed dentistry techniques—a key component of efficient, ergonomic dental care
• Collecting diagnostic data for dentists and hygienists
• Infection control and hazard management protocols per national standards
• Managing front-office procedures, including scheduling, billing, and insurance coordination

In short, this program aims to produce well-rounded dental assistants ready to work in general or specialty dental practices, hospitals, or public clinics.

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Students in this program must be prepared to meet the essential functions outlined by professional accrediting and licensing bodies. This includes physical tasks like lifting, assisting patients, using fine motor skills for instrument handling, and the mental focus required to perform in fast-paced clinical settings.

Upon successful completion, students are eligible for certification through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, which is required to practice legally in the state.

Graduates have historically achieved a 100% pass rate on certification exams over the last four years (2019–2023), indicating strong preparation and instruction within the program.

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This program holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a key indicator of quality in dental education. CODA’s approval ensures the program meets rigorous standards related to curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student support.

Being CODA-accredited also makes the program’s credentials more portable for students who may later move to another state—though each state has its own licensing rules.

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Dental assisting is a fast-growing field in the Houston area, with over 8,500 professionals currently employed and nearly 1,500 job openings each year. The field is expected to grow by more than 9% in the coming years.

Most graduates find work in private dental practices, but opportunities also exist in:

• Public health clinics
• Specialty offices (like orthodontics or oral surgery)
• Hospitals
• Dental schools and research facilities

According to program statistics, graduates often start with hourly wages between $16 and $20, with potential for growth into office management or specialty roles.

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Graduates will be certified through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, not through a national entity. It’s important to know that licensure standards vary from state to state. If you plan to move, consult the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) for updated state-specific rules.

The DANB offers resources to help identify which exams and titles are recognized across the country. While Texas does not currently participate in national standardization, DANB recognition can still be valuable for understanding broader industry requirements.

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If you’re interested in applying, you’ll need to complete several steps before being admitted. Key requirements include:

Prerequisites:

• Complete a mandatory online information session
• Review the Dental Assisting Admissions Guide thoroughly
• Be a current or former HCC student (or apply for admission through ApplyTexas.org)
• Submit the program application, immunization documents, and physical exam forms once offered admission
• Use the Complio system for submitting documentation and tracking requirements

All admissions communications are sent via both HCC and personal email, so it’s important to check both accounts regularly throughout the process.

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The program takes place at Coleman College for Health Sciences, a dedicated healthcare training center located in the heart of Houston’s medical district. This setting provides access to modern simulation labs, skilled instructors, and proximity to local healthcare employers.

Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and exposure to real-world expectations—whether in the lab, lecture room, or during externship experiences (if included).

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Students can choose between two main educational tracks:

• Certificate Level 1 – This is a quicker path into the workforce and focuses on the hands-on skills needed to become job-ready within a year.
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Allied Health – Dental Assisting Specialization – This broader path adds general education courses, career development, and marketable skills beyond the clinical setting.

Both options are aligned with employer needs in Houston and beyond, but the A.A.S. may offer more advancement potential or eligibility for transfer credits later.

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Graduates of the Dental Assisting program leave with a versatile skillset that includes:

• Patient care and chairside techniques
• Medical recordkeeping and dental software management
• Infection control procedures and sterilization
• Team communication and professional ethics

This combination of technical and interpersonal skills helps students confidently enter the workforce and adapt to a variety of roles.

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Licensure exam performance is a key measure of a program’s quality. HCC’s Dental Assisting graduates have consistently achieved 100% pass rates over the last four academic years:

• 2019–2020: 13/13 passed
• 2020–2021: 11/11 passed
• 2021–2022: 30/30 passed
• 2022–2023: 36/36 passed

These results exceed the college’s standard of 75% and reflect well on the instruction and student support offered at Coleman College.

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HCC provides career guidance through its Career Coach platform, where students can research job trends, salary expectations, and employer needs in the Greater Houston area.

Additionally, students can connect with program faculty, academic advisors, and support staff for help with coursework, certification applications, and job placement preparation.

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