Dental Assisting Program Course Outline

Fast-paced classroom training and the hands-on experience you need for a career in dental assisting — led by an instructor with 25+ years experience.

Our 12-Week Dental Assisting Program Overview

Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School’s 12-week dental assistant program is an investment in your future. Our accelerated training program allows you to spend less time in the classroom, so you can earn your dental assistant certificate and begin working sooner than other programs that take up to one year to complete (and cost up to five times as much).

dental assisting training program in Camas Washington

144 Hours of Classroom Study

Our instructor has 25+ years experience and is committed to your success!

hands on dental assistant programs in washington

50 Hours Hands-On Internship

Complete your hands-on internship experience at our on-site dental practice.

dental assistant programs certificate

Dental Assistant Certificate

Receive your dental assistant certificate and start your career right away.

Tuition & Fees

Deposit: $100 

Installment 1: $1,475
Installment 2: $1,475
Installment 3: $1,475
Installment 4: $1,470

Total Tuition: $5,995

Payment plans are offered, and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. To learn more, contact our admissions office online or call us at (360) 706-1989.

Upcoming 12-Week Courses Available

Please note based on the course session you choose below you will be attending classes on those days each week throughout the entire 12-week course. Please choose the course that best fits your schedule and availability.

Course Starts Dec 9th, 2023

Saturday- 8am-4pm Lecture and Lab / Monday 6:30pm-10:30pm Lab

Course Starts Jan 17th, 2024

Friday- 8am-2pm Lecture and Lab / Wednesday 8am-2pm Lab

Course Starts Feb 4th, 2024

Sunday- 8am-4pm Lecture and Lab / Tuesday 6:30pm-10:30pm Lab

Prior to the start of your training program, find out if you qualify for financial training assistance through Work Source.

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Financial Assistance Available Through WorkSource Vancouver

“I was able to reach my goal of becoming a successful dental assistant, and I would definitely recommend this program to anyone.”

What’s Covered in Our Dental Assisting Training Program?

You’ll begin developing the practical skills you need for a career in dental assisting at your very first class. You’ll receive a fast-paced introduction to the dental field, including:

  • Anatomy and physiology.
  • Dental charting and billing.
  • Dental equipment and technology.
  • The role of a dental assistant and how they work with hygienists, dentists, and laboratory technicians.

In future classes, we’ll dive into important topics that include:

  • Sterilization, disinfection & treatment room care — learn to sterilize a treatment room, perform mouth rinses, and work with a variety of dental instruments.
  • Radiography safety & techniques — learn to take and develop dental x-rays. This course is Oregon board approved for radiation health and safety and makes you eligible to take the Oregon X-ray Test.
  • Cements & dental impressions — learn about handheld dental tools, burs, and handpieces. You’ll also be introduced to the use of dental cements.
  • Restorative dental care — discover the uses of amalgam and composite fillings, as well as how fillings are restored and how to create temporary crowns.
  • Assisting with specialized dental procedures — learn to work alongside a dentist during oral surgery, root canals, scaling, and denture placement.
  • Cosmetic dentistry & tooth whitening treatments — you’ll make a custom-made night-guard and tooth whitening tray and learn about other cosmetic dental treatments.
  • CPR certification — learn essential first aid skills and receive your CPR certificate from our experienced instructors.
dental assistants training hands on

Complete Your Internship At Radiance Dental

At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, you won’t have to hunt for a dental practice to complete your 50-hour internship. We’ll invite you to receive your required hands-on training at our on-site dental practice.

You’ll work alongside the most experienced and trusted dental professionals in the Vancouver area!

“Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School has the best teachers, doctors, and staff. As a student, you get many opportunities to have hands-on training with the doctor. After completing the 12-week program, I feel confident in finding a dental assisting job. I highly recommend getting your dental assisting education here!”
– Sylvia W.

Meet Our Faculty

25+ Years Experience!

dental assistants with faculty

Career Outlook

Begin a High-Paying & Rewarding Healthcare Career!

dental assitant career outlook

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assisting Careers

After I Graduate, Can I Work Anywhere Right Away?

No, each state has its own licensing requirements for dental assistants. Fortunately, it’s very easy for our graduates to get started in a new job right away because there are no licensing requirements for most entry-level dental assistant jobs in the state of Washington. However, if you plan on working in Oregon, you’ll have to first work for 1,000 hours in Washington or pass a series of Oregon licensing exams. Your internship hours do count towards the 1,000 hours of work experience.

I’m Interested But Not Ready to Enroll. Can You Answer My Questions?

Of course! We invite all prospective students to speak with our experienced instructors. If you’re interested, you can also sit in on one of our classroom sessions or shadow a dentist at our on-site dental practice.

How Do I Apply?

It’s easy to apply online. If you have questions about any aspect of the application process, contact us online or call us at (360) 706-1989.

What Are the Entrance Requirements For Your Dental Assisting Program?

We consider all applicants and look for potential students who will:

  • 1. Benefit from the training and experience we provide.
  • 2. Be great additions to the dental profession.
  • When evaluating candidates, we will ask you for several character recommendations by personal and professional references. In addition, a high school diploma is required.
    Beyond that, no previous healthcare career or training is needed. Many of our students have worked in unrelated fields like retail sales.

    Be aware that: We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, nationality, or religion. In order to be accepted, applicants must be able to perform the job of dental assisting. Due to the “fast track” nature of the program, late enrollment is not permitted.

    Get in Touch With Us Today

    Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School

    19301 SE 34th St, #105
    Camas, WA 98607
    Hours: Mon-Sun 8:30am-6:30pm
    Class Hours: Tues 6pm-10pm & Sun 8am-4pm

    Click for Directions

    Office Phone: (360) 818-7273
    Office Fax: (360) 369-4527