Our Mission
At The Apprentice Academy, we are changing the nature of higher education and making the path to careers more accessible. Our mission is to provide an affordable and efficient, hands-on apprenticeship model that answers the needs of students, healthcare practitioners and the general public.
We bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice through personalized mentorship and direct connections to local healthcare partners. You don't just learn by doing, shadowing and practice; you become a professional.
Our commitment to affordability ensures that your future in a respected dental career is not limited by cost or false constraints of over-structured higher education programs. We provide the tools, the training, and the support you need to build a rewarding career.
Program Costs and Financing Options
The Apprentice Academy provides Dental Assisting students with training that is 50% to 75% less than the cost of college programs and 2 to 3 times as fast. Our partners are the largest dental groups in the state and are hiring DAs once they demonstrate competence as apprentices. Since we are not a college, we do not accept federal or state financial aid. We do provide several flexible payment options to fit your specific situation.
The Apprentice Academy provides everything a Dental Assistant needs to successfully work in the state of Colorado and obtain employment as a dental assistant. Apprentices who complete our program are equally qualified as those who complete a longer college program. The Apprentice Academy program includes:
-core dental knowledge -hands-on training to achieve competency
-books, materials and scrubs -preparation for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam
-local personal mentors from start to finish -320 hours of hands-on training by practicing dental experts
-training at offices that are hiring -professional job placement assistance if needed
-CPR/BLS training -career pathway (EDDA, DH) guidance and insider contacts
Payment Policy: Payment is require prior to beginning apprentice program or if electing various payment plans, prior to the beginning of each specified period (i.e. before the start of week 5 or before the start of each week). Failure to honor financial obligations will cause a delay in program participation and, repeated missed obligations will result in dismissal.
Payment Options: We do not offer loans but refer to you private banking institutions or credit granting entities . We do provide several flexible payment options to fit your specific financial situation (see above). Each payment plan has specific terms and conditions (outlined during the enrollment and payment process).
Cancellation and refunds: Since an apprenticeship takes place in a working dental office, last minute or spontaneous absences or withdrawals have a severe negative impact on office operations and patient care. As such, the cancellation policy is strict and rigorously enforced.
Cancellation is permitted with no fee or penalty up to one week prior to Apprenticeship program start date. If cancelled within 1 week prior to start date and start date, a $250 fee will be charged. If canceling after first day of Apprenticeship, regular refund policy applies.
Regular refund policy: If the apprentice decides to withdraw from the program, a 50% refund of total program costs will be given up to, but not beyond week 4 of the apprenticeship. Once the apprentice participates beyond week 4, there are no refunds. Withdrawal must be submitted in writing or by email.
- 5% Discount
Entire Program Pre-pay
4,500$Pre-pay the entire Apprentice program and receive a 5% discount.- -instant 5% discount
- -program price includes scrubs, books and materials.
- -due upon signed enrollment (to receive 5% discount)
- -no FAFSA or use of Federal grants/loans
- -Certificate granted upon completion of program
- -job placement service (free) as needed
- -EDDA pathway & recommendation
2 Payment Plan Option
2,250$Every 4 monthsPay 50% prior to program start and 50% at or prior to start of week 5.- -program price includes scrubs, books and materials.
- -allows payment to be split up and paid at two intervals
- -no FAFSA or use of Federal grants/loans
- -Certificate granted at completion of program
- -job placement service (Free) as needed
- -EDDA pathway & recommendation
Flex Payment Plan
450$Every weekMake smaller payments over the term of the Apprenticeship.- -program price includes scrubs, books and materials.
- -no FAFSA or use of federal grants/loans.
- -Certificate granted upon completion of program
- -job placement service as needed ($200 fee)
Week 4
This is a space to promote your business, its products or its services. Use this opportunity to help site visitors become more familiar with your business and its offerings. Reach out to current and potential clients and customers to build a sense of connection and trust.
Required: Aside from short time in the office, Tues. and Fri. remote sessions during morning or evening, whichever fits your schedule (1.5 to 2 hours each day).
Week 5 through 12
Apprentices are entirely on site, shadowing, practicing and becoming competent at DA tasks under the guidance of dental professionals as mentors. Apprentices will be assigned to a daily AM or a PM shift, whichever works best with their personal/family responsibilities.
DA Program Outline/Schedule
An apprenticeship is different than a college program. We are not bound by hard term deadlines. Your success is not measured by an exam. Learning takes place in the dental office, not a classroom with fake patients. As an apprentice, you learn as fast or as slow as you put in effort and time. The timeframes below are general guidelines to shoot for and are expected by our apprenticeship partners.
Week 3
This is the first of two transition weeks. You will be spending time in the dental office with your office mentor(s) while also continuing to master dental basics.
Required: Aside from short time in the office, Tues. and Fri. remote sessions during morning or evening, whichever fits your schedule (1.5 to 2 hours each day).
Week 2
Core knowledge coursework, continued. Your TAA mentor will guide you into anatomy & physiology, sterilization, infection, dental materials, etc. Saturday will be a tour and orientation of the dentist office.
Required: Tues. and Fri. remote sessions during morning or evening, whichever fits your schedule (1.5 to 2 hours each day).
Week 1
Core knowledge coursework. Guided by your TAA mentor, you will be introduced and study core dental concepts such as the dental team, tools & equipment, office management, the DA role, etc.
Required: Tues. and Fri. remote sessions during morning or evening, whichever fits your schedule (1.5 to 2 hours each day).
No one would buy a $90,000 car without doing a test drive to ensure they loved it. But that is exactly how we are approaching college and our kid's future career choice.
Most high school grads have no idea what they want to do for a profession... our educational system has failed them. And you are going to pay a big price for it. Families spend $20,000 for a year at college pursuing a major (future job) they realize they do not want. Students change their major (wasting thousands of dollars and precious time) and roll the dice on their new choice. It doesn't have to be this way. There are over 31,000 occupational titles. What if there was a way to "test drive" them in advance and get an informed idea about which is the best fit?
A micro-apprenticeship permits students to "test drive" a career and gain a solid understanding if it is something they want to pursue. Apprentices get real-world experience, a mentor and invaluable insight into a profession they wish to "test drive." How much is it worth when a person discovers their passion and makes it a career!
What is the Micro-Apprentice Program
What if $500 could save you $90,000 and increase your life-satisfaction for the next 40 years...
That is the objective of micro-apprenticeships.
The Apprentice Academy Team
Dr. Thomas Wicke
Founder and President
Dr. Thomas Wicke has been president of three colleges in California and Colorado. His last college was recognized by its national accreditor as well as by the governor of Colorado for Excellence in Community Service. His campus was named "campus of the year" in 2022 and 2025.
Dr. Wicke received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine where he was also a faculty research scientist. He consulted with the Dept. of Homeland Security as a grad student and is a published academic as well as an author of multiple books. He owned his own marketing company and, curiously, is the inventor and co-developer of the world's first USGA tournament playable eco-friendly golf ball.
Dr. Wicke was honored to be named a 2025 Colorado Titan of Business. He is a published academic, author and leadership trainer. He has over 15 years experience in healthcare education and founded The Apprentice Academy to extend opportunities to students who don't have access to the cost and length of traditional college programs.
Samara Miles
TAA Lead Mentor
Samara Miles is a dedicated Dental Assistant Instructor and healthcare
education professional with over 10 years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental assisting, office management, student advising, and healthcare education support services. She brings a strong foundation
of real-world clinical knowledge combined with a passion for student development and academic success.
She is committed to creating engaging learning environments that prepare students for success in both the classroom and clinical setting.
Samara holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management and has extensive experience mentoring students through academic and career pathways. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning,
confidence building, professionali-sm, and compassionate patient-centered care. She is passionate about helping future dental professionals develop the technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professionalism needed to thrive in the healthcare industry.
Cynthia Meekins
Industry Consultant & Advisor
Cynthia Meekins, R.D.A., E.D.D.A has over 40 years in the dental profession and has taught hundreds of students in various capacities, currently as founder and principle of EDDA Plus.
I have a heart for teaching and helping others. I'm committed to making a difference in all that you do in your career and life. I have over 40 years of experience in the dental field as a successful dental assistant, office manager, EDDA and staff trainer. My many strengths include, but are not limited to; EDDA skills training as well to include necessary team and practice building skills. I am known throughout Denver by not only Dentists, but over 1,800 dental assistants.
Comfort Dental
Apprentice Dentistry Partner
Comfort Dental is a leading dental provider in Colorado and across the country. Founded in 1977, Comfort Dental is one of the largest dental franchises in the United States. The company operates more than 150 independently owned offices across 10 states and employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people. With over 60 locations in Colorado, Comfort Dental is a perfect partner and is pleased to join forces with The Apprentice Academy to solve the dental shortage in Colorado. Comfort Dental likely has an office to provide apprentice opportunities across the Denver metro area.