Registered Dental Assistant Program
in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Registered Dental Assisting program at TN Professional Training Institute is designed to set you on the path to a rewarding career in dental assisting. Combining thorough classroom instruction with hands-on training, our program aligns with Tennessee state laws, ensuring you are well-prepared to succeed in a modern dental office.
Dental assisting is a growing field, with employment expected to rise by 8% from 2023 to 2033, offering about 54,900 job openings annually. This demand provides strong career opportunities and job stability. In addition, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $46,540 in May 2023, making this a career that’s both fulfilling and financially promising.
Take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow. Enroll today and start your journey to becoming a valued dental professional!
Your TNPTI Roadmap
Policies, Guidelines, and Resources for Your Journey
2025 Registered Dental Assistant Course Dates | $4999
| January 6 – January 24 | May 5 – May 23 | September 2 – September 19 No Class Sept 1 *Week 1 will be 8am – 7pm* |
| January 13 – January 31 | May 12 – May 30 No Class May 26 *Week 3 will be 8am – 7pm* | September 8 – September 26 |
| January 20 – February 7 | May 19 – June 6 No Class May 26 *Week 2 will be 8am – 7pm* | September 15 – October 3 |
| January 27 – February 14 | May 27 – June 13 No Class May 26 *Week 1 will be 8am – 7pm* | September 22 – October 10 |
| February 3 – February 21 | June 2 – June 20 | September 29 – October 17 |
| February 10 – February 28 | June 9 – June 27 | October 6 – October 24 |
| February 17 – March 7 | June 16 – July 3 No Class July 4 *Week 3 will be 8am – 7pm* | October 13 – October 31 |
| February 24 – March 14 | June 23 – July 11 No Class July 4 *Week 2 will be 8am – 7pm* | October 20 – November 7 |
| March 3 – March 21 | June 30 – July 18 No Class July 4 *Week 1 will be 8am – 7pm* | October 27 – November 14 |
| March 10 – March 28 | July 7 – July 25 | November 3 – November 21 |
| March 17 – April 4 | July 14 – August 1 | November 10 – December 5 No Class Nov 24 - 28 |
| March 24 – April 11 | July 21 – August 8 | November 17 – December 12 No Class Nov 24 - 28 |
| March 31 – April 17 No Class April 18 *Week 3 will be 8am – 7pm* | July 28 – August 15 | December 1 – December 19 |
| April 7 – April 25 No Class April 18 *Week 2 will be 8am – 7pm* | August 4 – August 22 | December 8 – January 2 No Class Week of December 22 No Class Jan 1 *Week 3 will be 8am – 7pm* |
| April 14 – May 2 No Class April 18 *Week 1 will be 8am – 7pm* | August 11 – August 29 | December 15 – January 9 No Class Week of December 22 No Class Jan 1 *Week 2 will be 8am – 7pm* |
| April 21 – May 9 | August 18 – September 5 No Class Sept 1 *Week 3 will be 8am – 7pm* | December 29 – January 16 No Class Jan 1 *Week 1 will be 8am – 7pm* |
| April 28 – May 16 | August 25 – September 12 No Class Sept 1 *Week 2 will be 8am – 7pm* |
| January 6 – February 20 | May 5 – June 19 No Class May 26 *Week 4 will be Tues-Fri * | September 8 – October 23 |
| January 13 – February 27 | May 12 – June 26 No Class May 26 *Week 3 will be Tues-Fri * | September 15 – October 30 |
| January 20 – March 6 | May 19 – July 3 No Class May 26 *Week 2 will be Tues-Fri * | September 22 – November 6 |
| January 27 – March 13 | May 27– July 10 No Class May 26 *Week 1 will be Tues-Fri * | September 29 – November 13 |
| February 3 – March 20 | June 2 – July 17 | October 6 – November 20 |
| February 10 – March 27 | June 9 – July 24 | August 11 – September 25 No Class Sept 1 *Week 4 will be Tues-Fri * |
| February 17 – April 3 | June 16 – July 31 | October 13 – December 4 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 7 will start Dec 1* |
| February 24 – April 10 | June 23 – August 7 | October 20 – December 11 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 6 will start Dec 1* |
| March 3 – April 17 | June 30 – August 14 | October 27 – December 18 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 5 will start Dec 1* |
| March 10 – April 24 | July 7 – August 21 | November 3 – January 2 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 4 will start Dec 1* No class Jan 1 *Week 7 will be M,T,W,F |
| March 17 – May 1 | July 14 – August 28 | November 10 – January 8 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 3 will start Dec 1 *No Class Dec 22-25 *Week 6 will start Jan 5 *No Class on Jan 1 *Week 6 will be M,T,W,F |
| March 24 – May 8 | July 21 – September 5 No Class Sept 1 *Week 7 will be Tues-Fri * | November 17 – January 15 No Class Nov 24-27 *Week 2 will start Dec 1 *No Class Dec 22-25 *Week 5 will start Dec 29 *No Class on Jan 1 *Week 5 will be M,T,W,F |
| March 31 – May 15 | July 28 – September 11 No Class Sept 1 *Week 6 will be Tues-Fri * | December 1 – January 22 No Class Dec 22-25 *Week 4 will start Dec 29 *No Class on Jan 1 *Week 4 will be M, T, W, F |
| April 7 – May 22 | August 4– September 18 No Class Sept 1 *Week 5 will be Tues-Fri * | December 8 – January 29 No Class Dec 22-25 *Week 3 will start Dec 29 *No Class on Jan 1 *Week 3 will be M, T, W, F |
| April 14 – May 30 No Class May 26 *Week 7 will be Tues-Fri* | August 18 – October 2 No Class Sept 1 *Week 3 will be Tues-Fri * | December 15 – February 5 No Class Dec 22-25 *Week 2 will start Dec 29 *No Class on Jan 1 *Week 2 will be M, T, W, F |
| April 21 – June 5 No Class May 26 *Week 6 will be Tues-Fri * | August 25 – October 9 No Class Sept 1 *Week 2 will be Tues-Fri * | |
| April 28 – June 12 No Class May 26 *Week 5 will be Tues-Fri * | September 2 – October 16 No Class Sept 1 *Week 1 will be Tues-Fri * |
| February 25 – June 5 | April 1 – July 10 | August 26 – December 11 No Class Nov 24 - 28 |
| April 1 – July 10 | May 6 – August 14 | September 30 – January 22, 2026 No Class Nov 25 - 27 No Class Dec 23-25 No Class Jan 1 (Week 12 will be M, T, W) |
| May 6 – August 14 | June 10 – September 18 | November 4 – March 5, 2026 No Class Nov 25 - 27 No Class Dec 23-25 No Class Jan 1 *Week 7 will be M,T,W* |
| June 10 – September 18 | June 10 – September 18 | December 16 – April 9, 2026 No Class Dec 23 - 25 No Class Jan 1 *Week 2 will be M,T,W* |
| February 25 – June 5 | July 22 – October 30 |
| January 4 – April 12 | May 31 – September 20 No Class July 5 No Class Aug 30 | November 1 – February 21, 2026 No Class Nov 29 No Class Dec 27 |
| February 8 – May 17 | July 12 – October 25 No Class Aug 30 | December 13 – March 28, 2026 No Class Dec 27 |
| March 15 – June 28 No Class May 24 | August 16 – December 6 No Class Aug 30 No Class Nov 29 | |
| April 19 – August 9 No Class May 24 No Class July 5 | September 27 – January 17, 2026 No Class Nov 29 No Class Dec 27 |
From X-ray certification to Basic Life Support (CPR), we prepare students to not only enter the workforce but to thrive as skilled, knowledgeable, and sought-after professionals in the field of dental assisting.
With a focus on personalized education, expert guidance, and practical training, TNPTI ensures that every graduate is equipped to succeed. After completing the program and passing the required state exam, we’ll guide you through the licensing process, making your transition into the workforce seamless.
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career in dental assisting. Enroll in our program and start building your future today!
Clinical Proficiency:
1. Four-handed dental assisting techniques to enhance efficiency.
2. Sterilization of instruments and equipment for optimal patient safety.
3. Assisting during procedures such as composite fillings, amalgam restorations, cleanings, exams, endodontics, extractions, oral surgery, and crown preparations.
4. Taking and recording patient blood pressure accurately.
5. Responding effectively in dental or medical emergencies, supported by CPR certification.
Diagnostic Expertise:
1. Taking, mounting, and interpreting both digital and film x-rays in compliance with Tennessee’s certification requirements.
2. Taking impressions and creating patient models.
Patient Interaction & Education:
1. Delivering clear post-operative instructions and home care guidelines.
2. Charting accurate and comprehensive patient notes.
Office Operations:
1. Identifying dental instruments and preparing tray setups for various procedures.
2. Maintaining, cleaning, and sanitizing the office, lab, and shared spaces.
3. Understanding American Dental Association (ADA) codes and insurance terminology.
Communication & Career Readiness:
1. Navigating personality types in the dental practice for better teamwork.
2. Crafting professional resumes and excelling in dental assisting interviews.
3. Effectively educating patients about dental procedures and diagnoses.
- 11 Years of Success: Join a program trusted by students and employers alike, backed by over a decade of proven results.
- Flexible Scheduling: Study while keeping your current commitments; we offer weekends, midday, and evening classes.
- Small Class Sizes: Benefit from personalized attention and a supportive learning environment that enhances your understanding and skills.
- Hands-On Training: Gain real-world experience with our state-of-the-art equipment and practical training, ensuring you're job-ready from day one.
- Career Support: Get guaranteed externships, assistance with job placement, resume building, and interview preparation.
- Payment Plans: Get flexible monthly payment options to suit your budget, ensuring that pursuing your career goals remains stress-free and manageable.
At TN Professional Training Institute, our mission is not just to teach skills—it’s to empower you with the tools and confidence to step into your dream career as a Registered Dental Assistant instead. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance in resume building, professional etiquette, and interview preparation.
While we can’t guarantee job placement, we go above and beyond to equip you with everything you need to succeed. From honing your professional skills to providing access to exclusive job opportunities through our private graduates-only Facebook group, we ensure you’re connected to the resources that matter.
Our goal is simple: to prepare you to enter the workforce and thrive. With the right mindset, skills, and support, your new career is well within reach. Let TNPTI be the launchpad for your success!
+ $95.15 Board of Dentistry License Application
- Additional processing fees may apply.
- Tuition assistance may also be available.
- Students can turn in their enrollment application at any time before class begins.
- Financial arrangements must be made prior to the start of class and is the only way to guarantee a spot in that term. Our admissions team can help walk you through this whole process.
Students wishing to enroll in the TN Professional Training Institute’s 120 Hours Registered Dental Assisting Program must be:
- 18 years of age or older, as required by the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry.
- In good standing with no felony convictions (misdemeanors are not immediate disqualifiers. The TN Board of Dentistry considers misdemeanors upon a case-by-case basis and TNPTI cannot guarantee board approval in the matter of state licensure.)
- Willing and able to work with patients while giving the best patient care possible.
- Be a high school or GED graduate. Official transcripts/GED test scores are required.
- Students must be at least 18 years of age.
- Students must be at least a high school, GED/HISET graduate and submit official transcripts indicating the date of graduation from high school or GED pass date and scores from their school.
- Students must maintain an 80% average to qualify for graduation. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the need to repeat certain sections or the entire course.
- Students must purchase black scrubs prior to starting the course and are required to wear them for each session over the course of the 120 hours.
- Students must purchase the textbook Modern Dental Assisting by Donni L. Bird and Debbie S. Robinson. (13th Edition or later)
- Students must have a clear criminal record. Please see the director if you have any questions regarding this status.
- Student files will be kept securely at TNPTI’s corporate office.
The TN Professional Training Institute’s 120-hour Dental Assisting program is designed to provide an intensive, comprehensive learning experience. To ensure you get the most out of the program, attendance is highly encouraged for all scheduled hours. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Students are permitted one excused absence, provided they notify their instructor at least one day in advance.
If a class is missed, students are required to schedule a make-up session with their instructor to review and practice the missed material at a mutually convenient time. Please note that students with more than one absence may be deferred to the next session at the discretion of the instructor.
Additionally, TNPTI offers optional, flexible lab practice hours beyond class time. These sessions can be scheduled on Saturdays or weekdays by prior arrangement with your instructor, allowing students to enhance their skills in a supportive environment.
Our commitment is to support your journey toward becoming a skilled dental assistant, ensuring you have every opportunity to succeed.
The instructor will keep a daily log of students’ grades and will communicate with students their updated grades on a daily basis.
Grading System :
| Score Range | Grade |
|---|---|
| 101+ | A+ |
| 90-100 | A |
| 80-89 | B |
| 70-79 | C |
| 60-69 | D |
| 0-59 | F |
I = Incomplete, A student may receive an “I” incomplete grade on their report card if they have not completed the course requirements by the end of their course term.
Students will receive a number grade on each of their examinations. Students must maintain an average of 80% or higher in order to pass TNPTI’s Registered Dental Assisting course to earn their certification.
The TN Professional Training Institute provides a calm and focused environment where students prepare to become skilled Registered Dental Assistants. Our goal is to provide a pleasant environment for our students, and we ask that you do the same.
- Be respectful of the property and of each other. Try to arrive 10 minutes early for classes to settle in and be prepared for class.
- All TNPTI students must abide by the TNPTI Code of Honor.
- TNPTI provides complimentary beverages and occasional food for students to enjoy.
- Students are allowed to have their own snacks and drinks during classroom sessions, provided they do so in a considerate and non-disruptive manner. We kindly ask everyone to follow this policy.
- While in a clinical environment, students are expected to refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking.
- Maintain a professional clinical environment. To do this, TNPTI students are asked to cover any visible tattoos/body art. Additionally, jewelry is limited to only one (1) piercing (per lobe) per ear and one (1) wedding band/ring if applicable.
- Students must wear closed-toe and closed-heel footwear and all black scrubs per dress code.
Code Defined: It is presumed that any student who enrolls at TN Professional Training Institute is willing to conform to a pattern of mutual trust and honor and shall deal honorably with all members of the TNPTI community. It must be understood that it is the responsibility of each student, faculty, and staff member to preserve, nurture and strengthen this spirit of honor. TNPTI students shall at all times refrain from and discourage all attempts at falsifying information (lying); making untrue statements and disparaging remarks; cheating, stealing; plagiarism and vandalism. When a violation of the Honor Code is detected, the student(s) involved will be brought to the attention of the instructor and the Institutional Director or the Executive Director, who will come to a mutual agreement upon the disciplinary action appropriate for the action against the TNPTI code of honor.
Violations Defined:
- "Lying" is defined as any attempt to deceive, falsify, or misrepresent the truth in any matter involving program business. Program business includes, but is not limited to, financial aid information, excuses for absences and statements to instructors and TNPRI Administration in order to reschedule tests or assignments and responses to the queries of TNPTI staff.
- "Cheating" is defined as the employment of or rendering of any illicit aid in any assigned work.
- "Stealing" is defined as the appropriation of money or property belonging to another person, organization or the school. This also includes the borrowing of property without the knowledge of the owner.
- "Plagiarism" is defined as presenting as one's own work the words or ideas of an author or fellow student. Students should document quotes through quotation marks and footnotes or other accepted citation methods. Ignorance of these rules concerning plagiarism is not an excuse. When in doubt, students should seek clarification from the instructor who assigned the task.
- "Vandalism" is defined as intentional, malicious damage to university property or property belonging to others.
- All students must wear black scrubs during classroom hours.
- All students must wear closed toe and closed heel shoes during classroom hours.
- The students must wear their hair up if hair length is longer than shoulder length.
- Acrylic nails are not permitted during classroom hours. Natural nails can be painted in French tip or in a clear color. Colored nail polish other than clear is not permitted.
- Lab coats provided by the school should be worn during clinical/lab hours.
- PPEs should be worn at all times during clinical hours.
FAQs
Start your journey to becoming a Registered Dental Assistant in Tennessee today!
Enroll in TNPTI’s Registered Dental Assistant program and gain the expertise needed for a successful career in healthcare. Your future begins now!
