Student Policies

Eligibility & Checkout Process

Only active students enrolled in the PURE Dental Assisting Academy are eligible to check out a textbook.

Books will be distributed at the beginning of each Dental Assisting Program and must be returned at the end of the 6-week program.

The instructor will assign each student a textbook at the start of the course.

Return Process

At the end of the program, students must return their assigned textbooks.

The instructor will thoroughly inspect the book’s condition upon return.

Replacement & Damage Policy

Students are responsible for all borrowed materials and must return textbooks on time.

Fees for Lost or Damaged Books

If a textbook is lost, students will be charged $100 or the actual replacement cost, whichever is greater.

Any damaged books will be subject to repair or replacement costs, determined at the academy’s discretion based on the extent of the damage.

Examples of Damage

Water damage (wet or moldy books)

Missing pages or covers

Redeemed student resource codes

Markings in books (pencil, ink, or highlighter)

Food stains, oily or sticky residue

Tears, cuts, graffiti, or other unusual damage

By checking out a textbook, students agree to abide by this policy and are responsible for any applicable fees due to loss or damage.

Dress Code Policy

Uniform: Black scrubs must be worn at all times, including tutoring sessions on Fridays.

Footwear: Closed-toed shoes are required (preferably black, but not mandatory).

Tattoos: All visible tattoos must be covered at all times (black sleeves are acceptable).

Hair Color: Only natural hair colors are permitted. Any unnatural hair color must be changed within the first week of enrollment. Failure to comply may result in further action, including potential removal from the course.

Headwear: Baseball caps and other non-medical headwear are not allowed at any time.

Nails: Fingernails must be clean and maintained at a professional length.

Professional Appearance: Students must present themselves professionally and avoid looking unkempt.

Masks: Masks must be worn at all times during lab sessions as part of the uniform.

Hair: Hair must be neatly tied up.

Overall Appearance: A clean and professional appearance must be maintained at all times.

Classroom Rules

Punctuality: Students must arrive on time for class every day.

Food & Drinks: Eating is not permitted on the lecture side of the building. Drinks are only allowed if they have a resealable lid or cap (subject to instructor approval).

Gum: Chewing gum is not allowed during class.

Devices: All communication devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets) that may cause disruptions must be left in the student’s vehicle or at home.

Behavior: Students must maintain a respectful and attentive demeanor. Disruptive or loud behavior will not be tolerated.

Instructor Guidance: Students must follow all instructor directions promptly and attentively.

At PURE Dental Assistant Academy, we uphold high standards of professionalism to prepare our students for successful careers in the dental field. Our policies are designed to foster a structured, disciplined, and professional learning environment. By enrolling in the program, students agree to adhere to the following guidelines.

Attendance Policy

Campus Access: If you are on campus and the doors are locked, you will be counted absent for that day, and it will be held against you.

Makeup Hours: If you are absent, you must email your instructor to inquire about making up hours. Makeup hours may be scheduled on the same day with a different class or on another day.

Emergency Notification: To avoid an absence, students must contact their instructor as soon as possible if they encounter an emergency.

Grace Period: A 15-minute grace period is allowed for late arrivals.

Late Arrival: Students arriving after the grace period without prior instructor notification will be sent home.

Maximum Absences: Students are allowed to miss a maximum of four days.

Program Dismissal: Any student who exceeds four absences will be dropped from the Dental Assisting program.

Makeup Days: All makeup days must be scheduled individually with the instructor.

Tardy Policy

Approved Tardies: Students are allowed up to two approved tardies during the program.

Notification Requirement: Students must notify their instructor at least one hour before their scheduled class start time if they expect to be late.

Acceptable Excuses for Tardiness:

Childcare issues

Flat tires

Transportation issues

Drug & Alcohol Policy

Prohibited Substances: The use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any controlled substances on campus or during any program-related activities is strictly prohibited.

Impairment: Students must not attend class or any academy-related function under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any suspicion of impairment may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Testing: The academy reserves the right to require drug or alcohol testing if there is reasonable suspicion of substance use.

Consequences: Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion from the program.

At PURE Dental Assistant Academy, we may capture photos and videos of students for use in promotional and educational materials. By enrolling in the program, students acknowledge and agree to the following:

Introduction

At PURE Dental Assistant Academy, we prioritize the safety of our students by implementing strict radiation exposure control guidelines. These measures are designed to minimize exposure, provide necessary monitoring equipment, restrict radiation areas with clear warning signs, and conduct regular inspections and testing of radiation-producing systems. Comprehensive operator protection measures are in place to ensure the well-being of both students and staff.
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The American Dental Association (ADA) states: “Concern exists for the safety of dental x-rays in pregnant patients and operators. The ADA recommends using aprons, thyroid shields for pregnant patients, dosimeters, and work practice controls for pregnant operators.”

Workplace Controls

Pregnant students must provide a release form from their OBGYN before participating in any radiology-related activities.

Protective Aprons: Pregnant students must wear a protective apron when administering X-rays. Every campus is equipped with a protective apron.

Dosimetry Badge Requirement:

Pregnant students must wear a dosimetry badge at all times.

Occupational radiation exposure should not exceed 0.5 millisieverts (mSv) per month.

Dosimetry badges track radiation exposure and provide immediate notifications if dose levels are exceeded.

Wall-Mounted Units & 2D Panoramic X-Rays

Operators must stand at least two meters from the tube head and out of the primary beam’s path, preferably behind a protective barrier, before taking the image.

Pregnant students must wear a protective apron when administering X-rays.

Handheld X-Ray Devices

When used according to the manufacturer's guidelines, handheld devices require no additional radiation protection precautions.

Pregnant students must wear a protective apron while operating handheld X-ray devices.

Operators must hold the device at mid-torso height, orienting the shield to protect themselves while keeping the tube head as close as possible to the patient’s face.

According to the NOMAD website, “When the NOMAD is properly used and the zone of occupancy is maintained, operator dose is characteristically below the minimum detectable level on monthly dosimetry readings worn by technologists.”
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For additional details, please refer to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Nomad User Manual.

As part of the process to obtain your Texas State Board Dental Assistant License, there are additional fees that students are responsible for covering separately. These costs are not included in your tuition and must be paid out-of-pocket.

Required Fees

National Practitioner Database Inquiry (NPDB) – $16

This national database check provides the state with any criminal history linked to your personal information, including expunged records.

Please ensure to bring a card payment with a billing address that matches the address you are mailing your NPDB envelope to.

Passport-Style Photo – $15–$18

Required to submit your application online when scheduling your exam.

TSBDE Application Fee – $40

Must be paid via credit or debit card on the day of testing.

Third-Party Fingerprinting Service – $35–$39

A mandatory step in the licensing process. Once you submit your application on testing day, you will schedule this appointment before you leave.

Students are responsible for ensuring all fees are paid promptly to avoid delays in the licensing process.