Registered Dental Assistant

What is Dental Assisting?

Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks including preparing patients for treatments, sterilizing instruments, assisting the dentist during procedures, taking dental x-rays, managing patient records, and educating patients on oral hygiene.

Is Dental assisting the right career for you?

Here is a list of things you can learn!

Dental assisting students have the opportunity to learn all the skills necessary to pass the Registered Dental Assistant Certification Exam given by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Students gain hands-on experience with dental instruments, equipment and materials.

Students learn:

Dental anatomy and physiology
How to take dental x-rays digitally
How to take impressions and make dental teeth models
Dental instrument names & how to use them
Sterilization & infection control procedures
How to have fun while learning & working

Salary:

Texas average salaries around $39,000-$41,000, and high earners can make over $61,000

Juniors Academy 2025

Littles visits the dental class

2027- Dental Assistant: Juniors in PPE equipment

Dental assistant students in C.E.R.T. equipment

Future 2026 Grads

Student Organizations

HOSA offers high school students benefits including real-world healthcare exposure, hands-on technical skill development, and leadership training, all while building professional networks, self-confidence, and community awareness.

Through activities like competitive events and community service, students gain insights into various health careers, prepare for college and future employment, and can apply for scholarships.

Students are encouraged to join their respective Career and Technical Student Organization which is HOSA. As HOSA members, students have the opportunity to participate in community service projects and compete in various competitions at the area, state and international level.

Christy Ary

Registered Dental Assistant Teacher

Cary@pasadenaisd.org

Hello, my name is Christy Ary, and I am the Registered Dental Assisting teacher at CTHS. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in a children’s dental office for over 20 years, where I gained extensive experience in patient care and clinical skills.

Teaching has allowed me to combine my love for dentistry with my passion for helping others. I truly enjoy guiding students as they learn new skills that not only prepare them for a career in dental assisting but also give them lifelong tools to help others in their communities.

Dental Assistant Pathway Curriculum Overview

Freshmen year- Medical Terminology:

This course introduces students to essential medical terminology along with an exploration of key body systems. This includes the skeletal, muscular, integumentary, cardiovascular, and blood/lymphatic/immune systems.

Sophomore year- Introduction to Health Science:

This course continues coverage of medical terminology as well as the respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. It also introduces different health care settings.

Junior year- Clinical Theory:

Students will earn C.E.R.T and CPR/BLS/AED certifications, along with an introduction to essential dental assistant concepts. The curriculum also covers key healthcare laws and regulations, equipping students with critical knowledge of their future roles.

Senior year- RDA:

As students continue to study dental assisting concepts, they will prepare for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam. Upon passing the exam, students will register with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, earning their RDA Certification credential and qualifying to work as a dental assistant in Texas.

A Day in the life of a dental assistant

2025 Dental Assistant Graduates

2024 Dental Assistant Graduates

2023 Dental Assistant Graduates

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