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Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Quick Program Facts

  • Continuing Education Certificate: 712 certificate hours
  • Number of courses: 11
    • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Accreditation:
  • Cost:
  • Financial aid: Tuition Assistance
  • Campus: Northeast 
  • Admission: Requires acceptance into program
  • Types of instruction: classroom, laboratory, clinical, practicum (externship)
  • Certificates:
    • TCC Certificate of Completion
    • Registered Dental Assistant Certification
    • Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification

Program Description

Our 22-week program of prepares you to work as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

  • Didactic portion: Teaches you the fundamentals of dental assisting procedures and job entry skills.
  • Clinical portion: Gives you access to actual work situations.

Graduates of our program must meet the requirements for Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE):

  • Registered Dental Assistant
  • Nitrous Oxide Monitoring course & exam

Eligibility Requirements & Prerequisites

You must:

  • Attend an orientation session
  • Provide a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Complete 12 observation hours in a dental office
  • Complete all required forms
  • Complete the Immunization and Health Record Form
  • Provide a copy of current immunizations record, including the annual flu vaccine
  • Pass a drug test
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Provide copy of current CPR Card (Health Care Provider)
  • Provide proof of health insurance
    • We do not offer College-sponsored student health insurance.
    • The following companies offer student insurance but are not endorsed by TCC:
      • Associated Insurance Plans International, Inc.
      • E.J. Smith & Associates
      • Insurance for Students
      • Student Benefits International
      • eHealthInsurance

Criminal Background Check & Drug Screening

Before being accepted to the RDA Program, you must undergo and pass:

  1. A criminal background check.
    • This check will be administered through the Castlebranch and will be at your expense.
    • There are no exceptions.
    • For students who may have a criminal background:
      • Be advised that the background check could keep you from being registered by the State of Texas.
      • Contact Laurie Semple, Program Coordinator, if you have a question about your background and state registration.
      • Know you have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
  2. The required drug screening before you are placed in a clinical site.

How It Works

If you fail to follow instructions, you will incur additional costs.

  1. Complete Application 
    • We will notify you by email when all your admission paperwork has been completed.
  2. Background Check
    • Our program coordinator will tell you to complete a criminal background check through Castlebranch.
    • We will send you an email with your link to Castlebranch.
    • You will go online to complete your background check.
  3. Admissions Status
    • Based upon a review of your background check results, our program coordinator will email you to let you know your admissions status.

Credentials in Detail

After successfully completing our program, you will receive:

  • TCC Certificate of Completion
  • RDA and Nitrous Oxide Monitoring certifications through the TSBDE 

Course List

Additional Courses

Orientation Sessions

For Spring 2020 Program

Admission for the January 13, 2020, start date is available.

Contact Laurie Semple to schedule an orientation appointment.

For Fall 2020 Program

All sessions will be held on Tuesdays at Northeast Campus (campus map)

  Time Room
February 4 1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112
5–7 p.m. NHSC 1106
March 3 1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112
5–7 p.m. NHSC 1106
April 7 1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112
5–7 p.m. NHSC 1106
May 5 1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112
5–7 p.m. NHSC 1106
June 2 9–11 a.m. NHSC 1112
1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112
July 7 9–11 a.m. NHSC 1112
1–3 p.m. NHSC 1112

How to Apply

Get started: Apply & register for class

Explore Our Professional Development Courses

 

Contact

Northeast Campus

NE Workforce Programs / Technology, Health & Business
Laurie Semple, Registered Dental Assistant Program Coordinator
817-515-6151 or
817-515-6995
laurie.semple@tccd.edu

Updated December 05, 2019