San Antonio College is one of nine American Dental Association (ADA) accredited schools in Texas. Students in the program can graduation with an associate of applied science degree or one of two certificate options. One certificate is the Enhanced Communication Skills certificate. The associate degree takes approximately two years. Besides general education courses such as Freshman Composition and art, students must complete courses which teaches them about dental assisting. For instance, students enroll in courses such as Communication and Behavior in the Dental Office and Preventive Dentistry. In addition to courses, students at San Antonio College complete clinical courses where they obtain on-the-job training.
Kaplan College---San Antonio offers students a diploma in dental assisting. Kaplan College provides students with more of a hands-on approach to teaching students. The program provides courses in performing dental radiology, chair-side assisting and types of dental emergencies. For instance, students are taught how to identity an abscessed tooth. In addition to courses, before students graduate they must complete an externship. The externship is at a dental setting such as an office, hospital or dental clinic. During the externship, students apply what they've learned in their coursework.
The Academy of Health Care Professions---San Antonio provides students with practical training in dental assisting. The goal of the program is to give students the knowledge needed to enter the dental assisting field. Students receive training in areas such as infection control procedures and preventative dentistry. During the program students take courses in dental terminology and basic accounting procedures. Before graduation, students must complete a dental assisting externship. According to the Academy of Health Care Professions---San Antonio, students often are hired at their externship sites.