If you live in Henderson, you don't have to leave East Texas to start a real dental career. Through Premier Dental Academy of Longview, Henderson-area folks can train hands-on at our Longview campus — with flexible class options that work around a day job — or go 100% online and learn from the kitchen table. Same curriculum either way, same instructors who answer the phone, and the same goal: getting you trained and working as a Registered Dental Assistant.
What a dental assistant actually does
A dental assistant is the dentist's right hand and the patient's calming presence. It's a hands-on, people-facing job with a real rhythm to the day. A typical shift looks something like this:
- • Setting up treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments between patients
- • Seating patients, taking health histories, and helping them feel at ease
- • Handing instruments and assisting chairside during fillings, crowns, and cleanings
- • Taking dental X-rays and charting what the dentist finds in the office software
- • Explaining home-care instructions and helping schedule the next visit at the front desk
No two days are exactly alike, and you're on your feet helping people the whole time. It's steady, indoor, daytime work that's in demand in just about every town with a dental office — Henderson included.
Two ways to train from Henderson
Hands-on chairside hours at 2800 Gilmer Rd, within driving distance of Henderson. Flexible class options are available so you can keep your day job while you train.
- $500 down to get started
- $3,000 total tuition
- Simple weekly or monthly payments on the balance
The same curriculum, self-paced, with no commute at all. A great fit for Henderson students juggling work, kids, or a long drive.
- $397 total
- Self-paced — start anytime
- Same lessons and skill-building as in-person
What you'll learn
The whole point is to walk into an interview already able to do the job. You'll build the core skills offices look for:
- ✓ Charting — reading and recording tooth-by-tooth findings the way the dentist expects
- ✓ Radiology basics — the fundamentals of taking and handling dental X-rays safely
- ✓ Chairside assisting — instruments, trays, suction, and four-handed dentistry
- ✓ Front-office software — scheduling, patient records, and practice-management tools
- ✓ Infection control — sterilization, PPE, and keeping every room safe
Want a feel for it before you enroll? Our free Skills Lab and the Practice Pro charting trainer let you try the real work hands-on, right now, at no cost.
Pay & funding
We keep it simple and affordable. In-person training is $500 down and $3,000 total, with easy weekly or monthly payments on the rest. Online is a flat $397. Some students may qualify for WIOA funding through Workforce Solutions East Texas to help cover the cost — we can't promise anything, but we're glad to point you in the right direction. Start your free application and we'll talk through what fits your situation. Curious about pay? See our East Texas dental assistant pay info.
Why Henderson students choose PDA
- ✓ Real software practice before day one — the kind of hands-on prep dental offices hire for.
- ✓ Rooted in East Texas — see our graduates.
- ✓ Affordable tuition — Online $397 / In-Person $3,000, $500 down.
- ✓ Trained in months, not years, then on to state courses + TSBDE registration.
Getting here from Henderson
Our campus is at 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — within driving distance of Henderson, and a manageable commute for students from Overton, Tatum, Mt. Enterprise, and Laneville. Prefer not to drive? The online option lets you train from home.
Get directions →New to dental assisting?
Start with our plain-English guide: How to become a dental assistant in Texas — requirements, training, registration, cost and timeline. Curious what you'll earn? See our East Texas dental assistant pay info.
Henderson-area FAQs
Do I need experience or a college degree?
No. You don't need any prior experience or a degree to start. We teach you everything from the ground up — most of our students are brand new to dental.
How long does it take?
It's measured in months, not years. You move at a steady pace through the training, then complete the required state courses and register with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Can I train from Henderson online?
Yes. Our online program is 100% from home, self-paced, and covers the same curriculum as in-person — perfect if the commute or your schedule makes driving in tough.
Is there a campus near me?
Yes — our Longview campus serves the Henderson area and is within driving distance, with flexible class options. Plenty of Henderson-area students make the trip, and the online path is always there if you'd rather stay home.
How much does it cost?
In-person is $500 down and $3,000 total, with simple weekly or monthly payments. Online is a flat $397. You may qualify for WIOA funding through Workforce Solutions — ask us when you apply.
