From Big Sandy to the classroom
It's about 20 miles east on US-80, through Gladewater and into Longview's west side — roughly 28 minutes, and our campus at 2800 Gilmer Rd is on the near side of town, so you never fight cross-town traffic. Evening class after a workday is very doable from Big Sandy.
Our one and only campus: 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — about 20 miles from Big Sandy via US-80 East. Distances and drive times are approximate; check your own route.
What you'll learn
In-person or online, the curriculum is the same set of skills offices hire for:
- ✓ Charting — reading the tooth chart and recording conditions and treatment accurately.
- ✓ Radiology basics — how dental x-rays work and how they fit into patient care.
- ✓ Chairside assisting — setting up, passing instruments, and supporting the dentist during procedures.
- ✓ Front-office software — the practice-management tools offices use to schedule, chart, and bill.
- ✓ Infection control — sterilization and safety the way real offices run it.
Want to test-drive it before you spend a dollar? The free Texas RDA practice exam and our charting trainer show you exactly what the work feels like.
Pay & funding
We keep tuition straightforward. In-person is $3,000 paid in full, or $500 down on a $3,500 payment plan with simple weekly or monthly payments. Online is a flat $397, self-paced. No surprises and nothing buried in fine print.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for WIOA workforce funding through your local Workforce Solutions office — we can't promise anything, but we're glad to point you in the right direction. Apply or reach out and we'll talk through your options. Wondering what dental assistants earn in East Texas? See our salary page.
New to dental assisting?
Start with our plain-English guide: How to become a dental assistant in Texas — the requirements, training, registration, cost, and timeline, step by step.
Big Sandy-area FAQs
How far is the drive from Big Sandy?
About 20 miles east on US-80 — roughly 28 minutes. The campus (2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106) is on the west side of Longview, the first side you reach coming from Big Sandy.
Can I do the whole thing online from Big Sandy?
Yes — the online program is $397, self-paced, and 100% from home. Same curriculum as in-person. A lot of small-town students start online and visit the campus when they want hands-on time.
Do I need a college degree first?
No. No degree, no dental experience required. We teach charting, radiology basics, chairside assisting, infection control, and front-office software from zero.
What's the payment setup?
In-person: $3,000 paid in full, or $500 down on a $3,500 plan with weekly or monthly payments. Online: $397 flat. No hidden fees, and WIOA workforce funding may be an option depending on your situation.
