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 prepare for entry-level dental assisting. Compare program length, included services, total fees and practice requirements before enrolling.
144 Hours of Classroom Study
Our instructor has 25+ years experience and is committed to your success!
50 Hours Hands-On Internship
Complete your hands-on internship experience at our on-site dental practice.
Dental Assistant Certificate
Receive your dental assistant certificate and start your career right away.
Tuition & Fees
Deposit: $250
Installment 1: $1,686
Installment 2: $1,686
Installment 3: $1,686
Installment 4: $1,687
Total Tuition: $6,995
Flexible 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) 818-7273.
Upcoming 12-Week Courses Available
Please note that this class is a hybrid course, featuring online lectures and interaction combined with in-person labs. Based on the session you select below, you will be attending classes on those specific days each week throughout the entire 12-week course. Please choose the option that best fits your schedule and availability.
Holiday Week Break Policy: If your selected session overlaps a listed holiday, your program will pause for one full week. Classes resume the following week with your seat and progress preserved.
Course Starts November 10, 2026
Thursdays Online Lecture 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Tuesdays Lab 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Course Starts December 5, 2026
Mondays Online Lecture 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM / Saturdays Lab 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Course Starts January 11, 2027
Fridays Online Lecture 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Mondays Lab 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
“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:
Week #1: Introduction to Dental Assisting and Tooth Anatomy
Week #2: OSHA Training and Impressions
Week #3: Preventative Care / Coronal Polish
Week #4: Radiography Safety and Techniques
Week #5: Moisture Control and 4-Handed Dentistry
Week #6: Pain and Anxiety Control
Week #7: Restorative Dentistry / Comp Fillings
Week #8: Provisional Coverage (Temp Crowns)
Week #9: Dental Specialties and Periodontal Assessment
Week #10: Endodontics / Family and Friends Day
Week #11: Medical Emergencies / Check Offs
Week #12: Checkoffs and Graduation Prep
In 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.
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!
Career Outlook
Begin a High-Paying & Rewarding Healthcare Career!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assisting Careers
After I Graduate, Can I Work Anywhere Right Away?
Completing a dental assisting program and meeting a state’s practice requirements are separate steps. School completion does not issue a state credential. Washington requires dental assistant registration, subject to applicable rules and exceptions. Oregon does not license dental assistants, but specified duties require certification. Check the Washington registration rule and Oregon Board guidance for the duties you intend to perform. Admissions can explain program preparation and support; the regulator determines credential eligibility.
Do You Provide Job Placement & Career Assistance?
Yes! We provide dedicated career placement support to all students and graduates, including personalized 1-on-1 resume reviews, mock chairside interviews, and direct introductions to our active network of hiring dental practices across Vancouver, Camas, and Portland. During your 50-hour clinical externship, you work alongside licensed dentists. Employment is not guaranteed.
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.
My session overlaps a holiday. Do I still have class?
No. Any program that coincides with a holiday includes a full week off. Your class resumes the following week. Check the academic calendar for exact dates.
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.
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.
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
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.
