In addition to 144 hours of classroom study, students at Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School have the opportunity to complete their required 50-hour internship at our onsite dental practice. Unlike other dental assisting training programs, you won’t have to search for a dental practice to intern at.
We want you to focus on developing the skills you need to be a successful dental assistant, not stressing over whether you’ll find an internship opportunity. You’ll work alongside Dr. Bharathi and her staff of hygienists and experienced dental assistants to learn the essential skills you need to succeed.
What You’ll Learn
- Disinfect a treatment room.
- Perform mouth rinses.
- Take and develop dental x-rays.
- Create a temporary crown.
- Make custom mouth-guards and tooth-whitening trays for patients.
- Assist dental staff with advanced procedures, including root canals, oral surgeries, and denture placements.
And much more!
Most importantly, you’ll learn what it is like to be an essential and contributing member of a real dental practice. Our internship is thoughtfully designed to act as an extension of your classroom study, building upon the knowledge you’ve learned, and putting theory into practice.
You’ll love the satisfaction that comes with helping real patients!
“I would recommend PNWDAS because they are going to give you the tools and skills that you need when you go out to start your career as an assistant.”
Meet Our Faculty
25+ Years Experience!
Dr. Bharathi
DDS, Owner, Director
Kathy
Instructor
Onnie
Instructor
“I just completed my 12-week program, and it was the best decision I made for myself! All the instructors are so helpful and really ensure that each student is obtaining the knowledge they will need to be successful. The internship is very hands-on and is so great for gaining real experience in the dental field. I would absolutely recommend this program for anyone considering dental assisting or for anyone wanting a career change!”
– Myka H.
Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School Offers
12 weeks of the hands-on classroom training you need to start your career.
The most experienced dental assisting faculty in the Vancouver area.
Tuition of only $6,995, including payment options and financial assistance.
Small class sizes and flexible night and weekend class sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assisting Careers
Can I Find My Own Practice to Intern at?
Yes! If there’s a practice you’d prefer to work at, you’re welcome to complete your internship at the dental practice of your choice. Be aware that it is harder to intern in Oregon as you will not have the x-ray license that Oregon requires for dental assistants.
How Will I Get Started in My Dental Assisting Career?
When you complete your classroom training and internship at the Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, we help you with your job search. We help place many of our graduates with local dental practices.
Almost 100% of our graduates begin working right away.
What Are the Entrance Requirements For Your Dental Assisting Program?
We consider all applicants and look for potential students who will:
- Benefit from the training and experience we provide.
- 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.
Can I Complete Internship Hours On the Weekends?
At our affiliated, on-site dental practice, we only offer internships during weekday business hours.
After I Graduate, Can I Start Work Right Away?
Every state has its own licensing requirements for Dental Assistants. However, it’s easy for graduates of Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School to start working 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 count towards the 1,000 hours of work experience.
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) 818-7273.
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: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Office Phone: (360) 818-7273
Office Fax: (360) 369-4527
Looking for current externship openings or hiring a graduate? Explore our Dental Assisting Jobs and Internships page.
Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School is approved and regulated by the National School of Dental Assisting.
How to Compare Dental Assisting Programs in Vancouver, Camas, WA & Portland, OR
Program Evaluation Methodology: When prospective students compare dental assisting schools across Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area, we recommend evaluating five objective, quantitative criteria:
- Time to Career Entry: Total calendar weeks from orientation to clinical graduation.
- All-Inclusive Tuition Transparency: Whether scrubs, PPE, textbooks, BLS/CPR certification, and state registration fees are included upfront.
- Real-Clinic Chairside Hours: Hands-on training inside real dental operatories versus classroom-only simulation or video-only instruction.
- Externship Placement Support: Guaranteed clinical externship hours with practicing dentists and dental teams.
- State Licensing & Radiography Alignment: Preparation for Washington DOH RDA registration (WAC 246-817-190) and DANB RHS radiography exams (OAR 818-042-0060).
| Program Feature | PNWDAS 12-Week Hybrid Program (Camas, WA) | 9–24 Month Community / Technical College | Online-Only Self-Paced Theory Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Suited For | Adults & career changers wanting fast, hands-on clinical entry in 12 weeks while keeping weekday/weekend flexibility | Students seeking a multi-quarter academic calendar with general education credits | Self-study learners who already have a dental office willing to train them chairside from scratch |
| Program Duration | 12 Weeks (Upcoming cohorts: Nov 10, 2026 · Dec 5, 2026 · Jan 11, 2027) | 9 to 24 Months (3–6 academic quarters) | Varies (typically 3–12 months self-paced) |
| Total Tuition & Supplies | $5,995 Holiday Tuition Offer (regularly $6,995 all-inclusive; $250 deposit; interest-free payment plans & WorkSource WIOA eligible) | $8,000–$18,000+ (plus separate textbooks, instruments, scrubs, and campus fees) | $1,500–$4,000 (excludes hands-on operatory labs, PPE, and clinical supplies) |
| Hands-On Chairside Lab | 144 Hours (online lectures + in-person chairside & digital X-ray labs inside an active Camas dental clinic) | Campus simulation lab on weekday daytime schedule | 0 in-person lab hours (video/reading only) |
| Clinical Externship | 50-Hour Clinical Externship coordinated in a practicing dental office | Included in final quarter | Student must locate and negotiate their own clinic site |
| Credentials & Exam Prep | WTECB Certificate + AHA BLS/CPR + WA State RDA Fee Included + DANB RHS Exam Prep | Certificate/Diploma; state & DANB fees billed separately | Course completion certificate only; all fees separate |
Ready to Compare in Person? Claim the $1,000 Off Holiday Tuition Offer ($5,995), Submit Your Online Application, or call/text (360) 818-7273 to schedule a tour at 19301 SE 34th St, Suite 105, Camas, WA 98607.
