SMART INVESTMENT
How Much Does Dental Assistant School Really Cost?
See how Austin Dental Assistant School compares on cost, time, and return on investment — and how you can graduate debt-free.
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Apply today and we'll walk you through tuition, payment plans, and financial options.
- Weeks to Graduate
- 12
- Total Tuition
- $3,650
- Next Start Date
- April 11, 2026
- Down Payment as Low As
- $1450
Cost Comparison: Your Options
When it comes to becoming a dental assistant, you have choices. But not all paths offer the same value. Here's how the numbers compare:
| Feature | Austin Dental Assistant School | Community College | University Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,650 | $10,000-$20,000 | $15,000-$30,000+ |
| Time to Career | 12 weeks | 1-2 years | 2-4 years |
| Student Loan Debt | $0 | $5,000-$15,000 | $15,000-$40,000+ |
| Payment Plans | Yes — flexible weekly payments | Semester billing | Semester billing |
| Earning Sooner | In 12 weeks | In 1-2 years | In 2-4 years |
The Real Cost of Waiting
Every month you spend in a longer program is a month you're not earning a dental assistant salary. Dental assistants in the U.S. earn a median salary of $46,540 per year. By completing your training in 12 weeks instead of 1-2 years, you could earn $46,000+ more during the time others are still in school.
Flexible Payment Plans
We offer payment plans that work with your budget — no student loans needed.
Pay in Full
Pay $3,650 upfront and save on payment plan fees. This is the most popular option for students who want to keep costs as low as possible.
Weekly Payment Plan
Start with a deposit of $1,450 and make manageable weekly payments. No credit checks, no interest — just a simple plan that fits your budget.
WIOA Funding May Be Available
Austin Dental Assistant School is approved for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. If you qualify, your tuition may be partially or fully covered through government workforce development programs. Learn more about WIOA eligibility.
What Are Our Students Saying?
Courtney without a doubt, one of the best instructors I have had. Their passion for the subject is infectious, and they genuinely care about student success. I definitely recommend this course with her teaching you the basics you need to know to become a dental assistant. I truly appreciated her engaging, student-centered approach. I felt motivated to participate, and she was always approachable for help. Every-time I left class I was that much more confident in taking my X-Rays, impressions and pouring them up, by week 12 she mentioned how far I have came and the improvement I’ve made. Highly recommended! Thank you Ms. Courtney
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Courtney without a doubt, one of the best instructors I have had. Their passion for the subject is infectious, and they genuinely care about student success. I definitely recommend this course wi...
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Kendra Maurer
Ms. Courtney is an exceptional dental assistant teacher. She is incredibly kind, patient, and reassuring, and she is always there to answer questions and offer support. She truly wants to see her students succeed and does everything she can to help you win. Her encouragement and dedication make a big difference in the learning experience.
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Ms. Courtney is an exceptional dental assistant teacher. She is incredibly kind, patient, and reassuring, and she is always there to answer questions and offer support. She truly wants to see her s...
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Bri
Very informative class. I learned so much from this class. Melissa my instructor was amazing
Cristian Urquiza
Attended Austin Dental Assistant school at this location. Great experience, would totally do it again.
Claire Sherman
Courtney was the absolute best instructor. She was patient and very knowledgeable. The material we went over helped us learn the basics. I would have to say if more patient care was gone over that would have helped alot to make me comfortable talking to patients as i bring them back to the clinic. The only other thing I would say is when going over entering patients in Dentrix, there needs to be a section on note taking because not every office uses Dentrix. The Orthodontic office I am at uses TOPS and there is not a chart of the mouth to choose which teeth and arch your working on, you have enter notes. I also believe other xray options need to be addressed and shown in the online material. Panos, iTero, ceph not just intraoral. Other than adding some material and taking out focusing on just xrays or making impressions there needs to be more time on learning instruments, patient care, note taking on dentrix. I had an amazing experience and enjoyed every moment!
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Courtney was the absolute best instructor. She was patient and very knowledgeable. The material we went over helped us learn the basics. I would have to say if more patient care was gone over tha...
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Jessica Kullhem
Really enjoyed my time in this school, learned a lot. The instructors, especially Candace, Evelin and Mr Jay, made a huge difference. Their real-world experience and patience made complex topics easy to understand.
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Really enjoyed my time in this school, learned a lot. The instructors, especially Candace, Evelin and Mr Jay, made a huge difference. Their real-world experience and patience made complex topics ea...
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Lisbeth Lebron
I enjoyed our classes and courtney did a phenomenal job at making sure I understood what I was doing and our questions were always answered, She was always kind and made us feel comfortable at doing something new.
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I enjoyed our classes and courtney did a phenomenal job at making sure I understood what I was doing and our questions were always answered, She was always kind and made us feel comfortable at doin...
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Melanie Guerrero
Honestly, I had the best time and am sad that it went by so fast. Ms.Courtney is hands down an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G instructor. Her training has given me the confidence I need to move forward in this field. The one thing that stands out the most on what we have learned is definitely FMX. With her guidance and the feedback she gives, in her words my FMX are "chef's kiss! " Thank you Courtney and I'll miss your bubbly personality!
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Honestly, I had the best time and am sad that it went by so fast. Ms.Courtney is hands down an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G instructor. Her training has given me the confidence I need to move forward in this fiel...
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Jessica Kullhem
This school has great advisors and runs well!
Kiki Meraz
Very helpful to learn all of the hands-on tasks of a dental assistant prior to entering the workforce. Ms. Shon and Ms. Courtney were the best!! Always super informative and made sure all of the students could make the most of their learning experience and benefit from the classes.
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Very helpful to learn all of the hands-on tasks of a dental assistant prior to entering the workforce. Ms. Shon and Ms. Courtney were the best!! Always super informative and made sure all of the st...
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Kelsey Carroll
Invest in Your Future — Without the Debt
Our students graduate career-ready without student loans. Let us show you how.
Start Your ApplicationOr call us now: (512) 361-5691