Dental Assistant Apprenticeships in Texas
Texas has 17 registered apprenticeship sponsors training dental assistants — 1 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
17
Union / joint programs
1
Median dental assistant wage
$42,270
Texas, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+20%
5,600 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| BRICKLAYERS IMI / JATC Union / joint | Houston | Multiple Employer |
| Dallas Career Academy | Dallas | Multiple Employer |
| FCI - BIG SPRING | BIG SPRING | Single Employer |
| FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE | THREE RIVERS | Single Employer |
| FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE - TEXARKANA | TEXARKANA | Single Employer |
| FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (FCI) - SEAGOVILLE | SEAGOVILLE | Single Employer |
| Federal Prison Camp | BRYAN | Single Employer |
| FMC Carswell Camp | FORT WORTH | Single Employer |
| FMC Carswell Hospital | Fort Worth | Single Employer |
| FMC Fort Worth | FORT WORTH | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Dental Assistants Earn in Texas
Wages
- Median annual wage: $42,270
- Average annual wage: $42,520
- Dental Assistants employed statewide: 31,360
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +20%
- Average openings per year: 5,600
- Employment: 32,830 → 39,410
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Texas Licensing for Dental Assistants
DENTAL HYGIENIST
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.