The Apprentice Academy 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 and business partners. You don't just learn by doing, shadowing and practice; you become a professional by skipping the inefficient, expensive and unnecessary middleman (college).
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.Â
The Apprentice Academy Team
Dr. Thomas Wicke
Founder and President
Dr. Thomas Wicke has been president of three colleges in California and Colorado for the past two decades. 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.Â
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 speaks/trains on leadership and culture building. 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
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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.Â
Cynthia Meekins
Industry Consultant & Advisor
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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. Â
In addition to training students she has worked with and earned a reputation with dentists for her ability to build dental teams and instill the imperative of an entire office working together--each performing their critical role--in order to create the best health/dental care for the customer.
Ms. Meekins expresses her philosophy, "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" (most of whom were her students at one point in their careers).Â
Comfort Dental
Apprentice Dentistry Partner
The Apprentice Academy is honored to be a partner with Comfort Dental who is committed to being part of the solution to the shortage in dental staff professionals and increasing the level of customer service to patients and families in Denver and the entire state.Â
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.Â
We are looking for Dental partners!
If you are an independent or single-location dental office/dentist and wish to be a part of the solution to the shortage of dental assistants, EDDAs and hygienists by disrupting the traditional education pathway, contact us to learn how The Apprentice Academy program will save you $10,000/employee in real costs and provide your next highly trained and professional dental assistant. The office/practice wins, the student wins, the customer wins. Â
Call or text us today:Â 720-589-0123Â
You may be wondering...
FAQs
How is The Apprentice Academy different from colleges or other programs?
How is The Apprentice Academy different from other short programs?
Are apprentices certified or qualified to the to same things as a DA who completes a college program?
Will The Apprentice Academy pay for my DA certification?
Do you offer or take Financial Aid?
Do I need to stop working or figure out child care for my children while I am in the program?
What is a dental assistant and what is their job description?
How much does a dental assistant earn?
The Apprentice Academy provides the same level of training for dental assistants just faster and less expensive. We are also not bogged down by the policies and constraints that schools follow and which actually get in the way of quality learning. One HUGE example: schools can't guarantee you will receive a job offer once you finish the program and they certainly won't give you your money back if they don't deliver. We can because our partners are ready to hire an apprentice who has proven they are competent at their job duties.
The Apprentice Academy is the ONLY apprentice (non-school) program. Because of this there are several differences:
 1. you will have a 1 on 1 personal mentor (who cares about your success)
 2. we are based in Colorado
 3. you learn in a real office, with real equipment (no classrooms)
 4. we have partnerships with the largest dental practices
 5. you will do your apprenticeship at offices who are looking to hire.
 6. you NEVER have to find your own externship office/site.
 7. we give you a "job offer" guarantee upon completion of the program. Â
Short-term programs and colleges CANNOT or DO NOT offer these things.
Yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Legally, educationally and in every way. There is no difference between a college certificate/diploma and a certificate from The Apprentice Academy. In fact, many dentists will just re-train a college graduate to perform tasks in the way they want things done. Since our Apprentice Academy partners are the dentists, you are being trained "their" way from the start (since our apprentices are learning in their offices beside their staff).
Although dental assistants are not required to gain certification in the state of Colorado and most don't (nor do dental offices require it), The Apprentice Academy will pay the fee for your certification exam. Here is another difference between The Apprentice Academy and colleges or other training programs: we will pay for a second time if your fail the first attempt!
We do not and that is a BIG advantage to our students. The federal government (Dept. of Education) requires programs to be a certain length to receive federal financial aid. There is no reason for a dental assistant program to be 8 months or longer UNLESS the school wants the financial advantage of receiving government money. ALSO, there is a limit to how much federal financial aid a student can receive. If you spend it on a dental assisting program you will have less for dental hygiene program or any other future programs you wish to do. Â
Truth is: the less you can involve the government in your education, the better. Financial aid process is detailed and involved with lots of documents (past years taxes, income statements, marriage certificates, etc.) and verification.
This is one of the biggest advantages of an apprentice program versus a college program: flexibility! You will have to arrange your schedule but you will still have time to work and to accomplish your other personal responsibilities. First of all, our program is 12 weeks long with a job at the end (see job offer guarantee); not 9 or 12 months. Secondly, apprenticeship schedules are either from 7:30AM to 1:30PM or 1:30PM to 7:30PM. You will choose which works best and then can arrange your life around these times. Our program is about you, not some class meeting time or college term schedule.
Dental Assistants perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to assisting the dentist, carrying out clinical tasks, and completing administrative work.
Dental assistants may perform many different clinical duties including preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures, sterilizing dental instruments, assisting the dentist during procedures, administrative/front office tasks, working with patients on billing and payment, taking molds and impressions, performing x-rays, and more.
Dental Assistants are responsible for making patients feel at ease while also preparing them for treatment. During dental visits, assistants often work alongside the dentist.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for dental assistants was $47,300 (around $22/hour) as of May 2024 but this is an average for new and experienced DAs and an average across the US. In Colorado it may be higher or lower depending on the type and location of dentist office. For more information, please visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website.