The dental school at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center San Antonio was founded in 1970 and graduates more than 90 dentists a year, as of 2010. The school boasts 200 faculty members in 10 fields of study. Admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery program is highly competitive with approximately 100 new students admitted each year. Advanced dental education programs at the school cover specialty training in areas such endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry and periodontics. UT also offers a combined D.D.S./Ph.D. degree with a focus on craniofacial oral-biology. This program takes at least seven years to complete.
Dental School - UT Health Science Center San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 7822
210-567-7000
dental.uthscsa.edu
San Antonio College is the largest single-campus community college in Texas and offers both degree and certificate programs for dental assistants. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Dental Assisting degree by completing a 63-credit course of study. The college offers a 42-credit course of study to earn a Dental Assisting Level One Certificate. Students may also choose to pursue a degree in Enhanced Communication Skills in dentistry. Continuing education courses are offered for registered dental assistants and for those seeking certification in nitrous oxide monitoring. In its mission statement, the school says it strives to give students the necessary skills "to become a functional dental team member and meet the requirements of the national examining entity." It is one of nine accredited dental assisting programs in Texas.
San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-486-0000
alamo.edu
The Academy of Health Care Professions offers a certificate program to train students to become dental assistants in Texas. The program includes training in the areas of chair-side skills, front office skills and clinical skills, and it gives students real-world experience through its externship program. The Academy of Health Care Professions offers flexible class schedules to accommodate students who may have full-time jobs while pursuing careers in the dental field. Financial aid is available to those meeting eligibility requirements.
The Academy of Health Care Professions -- San Antonio
4738 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78229
800-487-6728
ahcp.edu