From Diana to the classroom
US-259 south into Longview, then a few minutes over to Gilmer Rd — about 16 miles, roughly 22 minutes total. It's the same drive Diana folks already make for groceries. Evening options mean you can keep your day job while you train chairside.
Our one and only campus: 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — about 16 miles from Diana via US-259 North. 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.
Diana-area FAQs
How far is the school from Diana?
About 16 miles — roughly a 22-minute drive down US-259 to our campus at 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, on Longview's northwest side. It's one of the shorter commutes among the towns we serve.
I've never worked in a dental office. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most students start with zero experience. You'll learn charting, radiology basics, chairside assisting, infection control, and the software real front desks run — hands-on, from the beginning.
What if I can't make the drive regularly?
The 100% online program ($397, self-paced) covers the same curriculum from home. Some students mix it: online lessons at home, campus visits when they want hands-on practice.
How much does it cost?
In-person is $3,000 paid in full, or $500 down on a $3,500 payment plan (weekly or monthly). Online is $397. Depending on your situation, WIOA workforce funding may help — we'll point you in the right direction.
