From Palestine to the classroom
US-79 north through Jacksonville and Henderson to Longview runs about 78 miles — roughly 90 minutes. That's a day-trip distance, not a class-night distance. The online program ($397, self-paced) delivers the same curriculum at your kitchen table, and online tuition transfers as credit toward in-person within 90 days if you decide you want regular hands-on training.
Our one and only campus: 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — about 78 miles from Palestine via US-79 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.
Palestine-area FAQs
Why is a Longview school advertising to Palestine?
Because the online program serves Anderson County without the drive — same curriculum, $397, self-paced — and because some Palestine students genuinely do want occasional hands-on days at a real campus, even 90 minutes out. We're upfront that the campus is in Longview and only Longview.
How does the online program actually work?
Self-paced video lessons and coursework covering charting, radiology basics, chairside assisting, infection control, and front-office software, plus free practice tools (practice exam, charting trainers) you can use from anywhere. Start whenever; move at your speed.
What jobs exist in Anderson County for dental assistants?
Palestine and Jacksonville both have dental offices, and trained assistants are one of the roles small-city practices consistently need. See our salary page for typical East Texas pay ranges rather than promises.
What are the real costs?
Online: $397. In-person (Longview campus): $3,000 paid in full, or $500 down on a $3,500 payment plan. WIOA workforce funding may be an option depending on your situation — check with your local Workforce Solutions office.
