Upper Valley Institute is bringing the Rio Grande Valley's first dentist-led, fully in-person dental assistant program to Mission, TX. 12 weeks. $3,000. A career that pays you back in your first month.
Be first in line when enrollment opens. We'll call you within 24 hours — no pressure, just answers.
Most programs in the area are hybrid Zoom courses with 2 weekends of labs. We're built differently — and your future employer will notice.
| Typical Online Program | Upper Valley Institute New | |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction format | Zoom / online classes | ✅ 100% in-person, every class |
| Who teaches you | Online instructors | ✅ A licensed dentist |
| Hands-on lab time | 2 weekends only | ✅ Every single class |
| Location | National franchise chain | ✅ Mission, TX — built for the RGV |
| Duration | 10–12 weeks | ✅ 12 weeks |
| X-ray certification prep | Varies | ✅ Included in tuition |
| Local employer connections | ❌ Generic job board | ✅ RGV dental network |
| Upper Valley Institute is the only dentist-led, fully in-person dental assistant program in the Rio Grande Valley. | ||
Here's what life looks like after you complete the program.
Dental assistants in Texas earn $40,000+ entry-level. That's a full return on your $3,000 tuition investment in your first month on the job.
Because every class is in-person with a real dentist, you graduate knowing exactly what to do in a dental office — not just what a textbook says to do.
Our local employer network connects you with dental practices across Mission, McAllen, Edinburg, and the rest of the Valley who prefer locally trained graduates.
Twelve focused weeks. Every module built around what employers in the Rio Grande Valley are hiring for right now.
Tooth structure, oral anatomy, charting systems, and the language used in every dental practice.
Four-handed dentistry, instrument transfer, suction technique, and assisting during fillings, crowns, and extractions.
OSHA standards, autoclave operation, PPE protocols, and the safety procedures every Texas dental office must follow.
Hands-on training to prepare for the Texas state x-ray certification — a requirement employers ask for by name.
Mixing impression materials, fabricating temporaries, pouring models — the hands-on craft of the role.
Scheduling software, insurance basics, patient communication — the administrative skills that round out a great dental assistant.
No SAT scores, no bachelor's degree — just a high school diploma or GED and a commitment to show up.
Submit your info. We'll call within 24 hours to answer questions.
Reserve your spot with a small deposit when enrollment opens.
12 weeks of dentist-led, in-person classes in Mission, TX.
Graduate certified and connected to local employers actively hiring.
Everything you need to walk out job-ready. No hidden fees, no upsells, no debt spiral.
We're keeping the first class intentionally small. Join the waitlist now and we'll call you within 24 hours to answer questions and hold your spot.