From Pittsburg to the classroom
Most folks take TX-155/US-271 south toward Gilmer and follow TX-300 into Longview — about 42 miles, roughly 50 minutes. If twice-a-week isn't realistic on top of a job, start with the online program ($397, self-paced) and come down for hands-on time when you can.
Our one and only campus: 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, TX 75604 — about 42 miles from Pittsburg via US-271 / TX-155. 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.
Pittsburg-area FAQs
How far is Pittsburg from the campus?
About 42 miles — roughly 50 minutes via Gilmer. The campus is at 2800 Gilmer Rd, Suite 106, Longview, on the northwest side of town (your side, coming from Camp County).
Is the online program the same thing?
Same curriculum — charting, radiology basics, chairside assisting, infection control, front-office software — self-paced from home for $397. In-person adds live chairside practice at the Longview campus.
I work in the poultry industry — is dental assisting a realistic switch?
It's one of the most common career changes we see: production and food-industry workers already have the discipline, and dental assisting adds weekday hours, cleaner conditions, and a skill every town needs. No prior experience required.
What does it cost, all-in?
In-person: $3,000 paid in full, or $500 down on a $3,500 payment plan (weekly or monthly). Online: $397. WIOA workforce funding may be an option depending on your situation — we'll point you to the right office.
