How to Become a Dental Assistant in Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a vibrant coastal city with a variety of distinct neighborhoods and a unique social flavor, and it is also experiencing incredible economic growth. This makes it an excellent place to start a career. For those interested in dental assisting, Seattle offers both work and opportunities to progress in the field.
As a dental assistant, you will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including sterilizing instruments, preparing patients and work areas and assisting dentists during examinations and other procedures. You will also do some administrative work, like scheduling appointments and handling billing and payment. If you find that you want to upgrade your training, advanced endorsements and certifications for Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) can be earned.
Dental Assistant Programs in Seattle
Not all dental assisting schools in Seattle need to be accredited, but they are intended to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required for their job.
- Seattle Vocational Institute. Taught at the Health Education Center on Beacon Hill, this program takes 17 months to complete and includes lecture, lab and clinical time. Based on the state tuition rate of $106.84 per credit and the cost of books, the estimated cost is currently $8,926.00.
- Institute of Advanced Dental Assisting (IADA). This 13-week course includes 78 hours of teaching and a 50-hour internship with a practicing dentist and dental hygienist. The cost is currently $9,750.00 and includes books and supplies. The IADA is located in South Seattle, near Jefferson Park.
- Northwest Dental Assisting School. NWDA is located close to the Tacoma Dome in the McKinley area of Tacoma, and is easily accessible by both car and transit. Their 10-week accelerated course costs $3,995.00 at this time, with the potential for a $500.00 tuition discount.
Certification and Licensing for Dental Assistants in Seattle
All dental assistants in Washington must be registered with the state. Once registered, additional schooling opens up opportunities to become an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) or a Dental Anesthesia Assistant (DAA). Registered Dental Assistants (RDTs) can also apply for a sealant/fluoride endorsement for the purpose of treating children in schools.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Seattle
The dental assisting profession is projected to grow at a rate of 18.9 percent between 2016 and 2026, resulting in roughly 1,560 positions opening each year. These positions can pay well above the state minimum wage: in 2017, 50 percent of salaried workers were paid $42,980.00 or more, and half of those paid hourly made a wage of at least $20.66. With dental care always in demand, strong industry growth and solid pay, dental assisting in Seattle offers a reliable career in a city full of life.
The dental assisting profession is projected to grow at a rate of 18.9 percent between 2016 and 2026, resulting in roughly 1,560 positions opening each year. These positions can pay well above the state minimum wage: in 2017, 50 percent of salaried workers were paid $42,980.00 or more, and half of those paid hourly made a wage of at least $20.66. With dental care always in demand, strong industry growth and solid pay, dental assisting in Seattle offers a reliable career in a city full of life.