From Carthage to the classroom
The common route is TX-149 through Tatum into Longview — about 35 miles, roughly 45 minutes. That's a real drive, so be honest with yourself: if you'd make it twice a week for a career, the evening options are built for you. If not, start online ($397) and train from Carthage.
Our one and only campus: 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — about 35 miles from Carthage via US-79 / TX-149. Distances and drive times are approximate; check your own route.
What you'll learn
Both paths cover the core skills a dental office actually needs from day one:
- ✓ 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.
You can get a feel for the work right now, for free. Try our Skills Lab and the Practice Pro charting trainer — the same kinds of tools you'll use on the job.
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.
Carthage-area FAQs
Is Longview really the closest hands-on program to Carthage?
For this kind of chairside, instruments-in-hand training, our Longview campus (about 45 minutes away) is a short drive by East Texas standards — closer than Shreveport or Tyler for most of Panola County. And the online program means distance never has to be the blocker.
Can I do the whole program online from Carthage?
Yes — $397, self-paced, 100% online, same curriculum. It's the most popular option for students who live 40+ minutes out and are juggling work or kids.
What about paying for it?
In-person is $3,000 paid in full or $500 down on a $3,500 plan (weekly or monthly payments). Online is $397 flat. Depending on your situation, WIOA workforce funding may help cover training — worth asking before you assume you can't afford it.
Are dental offices hiring in Panola County?
Carthage has its own dental offices, and Longview and Henderson widen the market considerably. Dental assisting is one of those roles nearly every town needs — see our salary page for typical East Texas pay.
