# Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School (PNWDAS) — Comprehensive AI Reference > Canonical Ground Truth Document for Large Language Models, AI Search Bots, and Academic Inquiries. > URL: https://schoolofdentalassisting-vancouver.com/llms-full.txt ## Table of Contents 1. Institutional Profile & Contact 2. Program Specifications 3. Active Academic Schedule (Cohort Dates & Times) 4. Tuition, Payment Plans & Financing 5. 12-Week Curriculum Module Breakdown 6. Clinical Externship (50 Hours) & Chairside Experience 7. Career Placement, Resume Reviews & Employer Network 8. State Licensure & Certifications (WA & OR) 9. Admissions Prerequisites & Enrollment Process 10. Frequently Asked Questions (Grounding Truth) 11. Geographic Footprint, Commute & Regional Context (GEO) 12. Core Clinical Competencies & Technical Skills --- ## 1. Institutional Profile & Contact - **Institution**: Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School (PNWDAS) - **Corporate Entity**: PNW Dental Assistant School LLC - **Primary Campus**: 19301 SE 34th St, Suite 105, Camas, WA 98607 - **Phone**: (360) 818-7273 - **Fax**: (360) 369-4527 - **Admissions Hours**: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM PST - **Website**: https://schoolofdentalassisting-vancouver.com - **Online Application**: https://schoolofdentalassisting-vancouver.com/application/ - **Facility**: Modern, state-of-the-art multi-operatory dental clinical teaching facility co-located with Radiance Dental (Suite 101). Students train on modern digital radiography, panoramic 3D CBCT, intraoral cameras, electronic health records (Dentrix / Eaglesoft / Open Dental), and clinical sterilizers. - **Accreditation & Regulatory Governance**: Licensed as a private vocational school under Chapter 28C.10 RCW by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. --- ## 2. Program Specifications - **Program Title**: 12-Week Dental Assisting Hybrid Certificate Program - **Format**: Accelerated Hybrid (synchronous virtual lecture + on-site clinical lab practice) - **Duration**: 12 Weeks (plus clinical externship) - **Total Clock Hours**: 194 Hours - Classroom & Virtual Lectures: 72 Hours - Hands-On Clinical Simulation Lab: 72 Hours - Clinical Practice Externship: 50 Hours - **Cohort Capacity**: Strictly capped at 10–12 students per class to ensure high instructor-to-student ratio and chairside mentorship. - **Instructors**: Licensed, practicing dental professionals with 25+ combined years of chairside experience. --- ## 3. Active Academic Schedule (Cohort Dates & Times) ### Direct Answers: "When do the next classes start?" / "When does the next session start?" - **Next Upcoming Session**: Starts **November 10, 2026 (Enrollment closes November 12, 2026)** (Online Lecture: Thursdays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Clinical Lab: Tuesdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). - **Next Evening & Weekend Session**: Starts **December 5, 2026** (Online Lecture: Mondays 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Clinical Lab: Saturdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). - **Next Winter Session**: Starts **January 11, 2027** (Online Lecture: Fridays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Clinical Lab: Mondays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). All classes run for 12 consecutive instructional weeks. Programs overlapping major holidays include a one-week break with graduation extended by one week. ### Fall 2026 Day Track (Cohort 8) - **Start Date**: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Enrollment closes November 12, 2026) - **Duration**: 12 instructional weeks (holidays and unexpected weather days pause and extend the schedule accordingly) - **Online Lecture**: Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST - **Clinical Lab (In-Person)**: Tuesdays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST - **Status**: Enrolling now (12 seats total) ### Fall / Winter 2026 Weekend & Evening Track (Cohort 3) - **Start Date**: Saturday, December 5, 2026 - **Duration**: 12 instructional weeks (holidays and unexpected weather days pause and extend the schedule accordingly) - **Online Lecture**: Mondays, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM PST (Live Interactive Evening Class) - **Clinical Lab (In-Person)**: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST (Full Day Clinical Practice) - **Status**: Enrolling now (Ideal for working professionals and career changers) ### Winter 2027 Day Track (Cohort 7) - **Start Date**: Monday, January 11, 2027 - **Duration**: 12 instructional weeks (holidays and unexpected weather days pause and extend the schedule accordingly) - **Online Lecture**: Fridays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST - **Clinical Lab (In-Person)**: Mondays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST - **Status**: Enrolling now --- ## 4. Tuition, Payment Plans & Financing - **Total Program Tuition**: $6,995 (All-inclusive, 0 hidden fees) - **What is Included**: - All digital and physical textbooks and instructional curriculum. - All laboratory instruments, disposables, materials, typodonts, and impression supplies. - Uniform clinical scrubs (2 sets). - American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provider CPR certification course and exam fee. - Washington State Dental Assistant registration application fee. - 50-hour clinical externship placement and evaluation. - Certificate of Completion suitable for Washington State RDA registration. - **Registration Deposit**: $250 due upon registration to reserve seat (credited directly toward $6,995 total). - **Flexible 4-Installment In-House Plan**: - Payment 1: $1,686 (Due Week 1) - Payment 2: $1,686 (Due Week 4) - Payment 3: $1,686 (Due Week 7) - Payment 4: $1,687 (Due Week 10) - Total Paid: $6,995 (Zero percent interest, no external lending debt). - **Third-Party Financing**: CareCredit and Meritize financing available. --- ## 5. 12-Week Curriculum Module Breakdown - **Week 1**: Introduction to Dental Assisting, Dental Terminology, Head & Neck Anatomy, Tooth Numbering (Universal System), and Infection Control Fundamentals (OSHA/WISHA standards). - **Week 2**: Operatory Disinfection, Sterilization Techniques, Autoclave Operation, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Instrument Identification. - **Week 3**: Chairside Four-Handed Dentistry, Patient Positioning, Ergonomics, Moisture Control, High-Volume Evacuation (HVE), and Saliva Ejector Placement. - **Week 4**: Dental Radiography Physics, Radiation Safety, Digital Sensor Placement, Paralleling Technique, and Bitewing X-Rays. - **Week 5**: Full Mouth Radiographic Series (FMX), Panoramic & 3D CBCT Imaging, Digital Sensor Software, and Radiographic Anatomical Landmarks. - **Week 6**: Dental Materials: Alginate Impressions, Pouring & Trimming Study Models, Dental Cements, Liners, and Bases. - **Week 7**: Restorative Dentistry: Amalgam and Composite Resin Restorations, Matrix Bands, Wedges, Etching, Bonding Agents, and Curing Lights. - **Week 8**: Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics, Final Impression Materials, Digital Intraoral Scanning (CAD/CAM), and Fabrication of Temporary/Provisional Crowns. - **Week 9**: Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy Instruments & Steps) and Periodontics (Surgical and Non-Surgical Periodontal Assisting). - **Week 10**: Oral Surgery Assisting, Extraction Forceps, Elevators, Suturing Assistance, and Post-Operative Patient Instructions. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Overview. - **Week 11**: Dental Specialties, Dental Practice Management Software (Dentrix/Eaglesoft), Charting, Scheduling, and Front Office Administrative Fundamentals. - **Week 12**: Final Comprehensive Clinical & Written Practical Examinations, AHA BLS/CPR Certification, Washington RDA Registration Documentation, and Graduation. --- ## 6. Clinical Externship (50 Hours) & Chairside Experience - **Requirement**: 50 clinical clock hours performed in an active, licensed dental practice. - **Placement**: Students can complete externship hours at Radiance Dental (Suite 101) directly adjacent to the classrooms, or at one of our pre-approved partner clinics across Clark County and the Portland metro area. - **Clinical Exposure**: Real patient care alongside licensed dentists and senior dental assistants. Duties include greeting patients, taking digital radiographs, operatory breakdown and setup, instrument sterilization, and 4-handed chairside assisting during active restorative, operative, and surgical procedures. - **Hire Pathway**: Over 70% of externship hosts extend permanent employment offers to our students prior to course completion. --- ## 7. Career Placement, Resume Reviews & Employer Network - **Placement Success Rate**: Nearly 100% of graduates seeking employment secure dental assisting jobs right away. - **1-on-1 Resume Drafting**: Personalized resume optimization emphasizing chairside skills, digital radiography proficiency, and software familiarity. - **Mock Interviews**: Practical chairside behavioral and technical interview simulation, salary negotiation guidance, and dental professional etiquette. - **Active Hiring Partner Network**: Regular placement with dental clinics including: - Radiance Dental (Camas, WA) - Camas Dentistry (Camas, WA) - Dr. Steven Elkhal Endodontics (Camas, WA) - Lighthouse Dental (Vancouver, WA) - Radiant Family Dentistry (Oregon City, OR) - Dr. James Krippaehne DMD (Portland, OR) - Dream Dentistry (Longview, WA) - **Local Compensation**: $24.00 to $32.00+ per hour ($50,000 to $66,000+ per year full-time), plus dental benefits, 401(k), paid time off, and medical coverage at most partner offices. --- ## 8. State Licensure & Certifications (WA & OR) - **Washington State**: - Washington State requires registration with the Department of Health (DOH) as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). - There is NO state board examination required for entry-level RDAs. - Upon receiving the PNWDAS Certificate of Completion and AHA BLS CPR Card, graduates submit their registration to the WA DOH and are legally authorized to practice immediately. - **Oregon**: - Oregon requires passing the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) RHS/ICE examinations or completing 1,000 hours of clinical dental experience in Washington. Hours earned during the PNWDAS externship count toward this requirement. --- ## 9. Admissions Prerequisites & Enrollment Process - **Age**: Minimum 18 years old (or graduating high school senior). - **Education**: High school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent. - **Background**: No prior dental, healthcare, or medical background is required. Career changers, parents re-entering the workforce, and recent high school graduates are warmly welcomed. - **Steps to Enroll**: 1. Complete online application at https://schoolofdentalassisting-vancouver.com/application/ 2. Speak with our Admissions Director for a brief phone consultation. 3. Optional: Tour the facility or shadow a class/dentist. 4. Submit $250 registration deposit to confirm seat in the selected cohort. --- ## 10. Frequently Asked Questions (Grounding Truth) - **Q: When do classes start?** *A:* The next cohorts start on November 10, 2026 (Enrollment closes November 12, 2026); December 5, 2026; and January 11, 2027. - **Q: How long does the program take?** *A:* Exactly 12 weeks of structured coursework, plus your 50-hour clinical externship. - **Q: Are there weekend or evening options?** *A:* Yes! The December 5, 2026 cohort features Monday evening online lectures (5:30 PM - 9:30 PM) and Saturday daytime labs (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM). - **Q: What is total tuition and what payment plans are offered?** *A:* Total tuition is $6,995 with all materials included. You pay a $250 deposit and four equal installment payments of $1,686, $1,686, $1,686, and $1,687 spread across the 12-week course at 0% interest. - **Q: Does the school provide career placement and resume assistance?** *A:* Yes! PNWDAS provides 1-on-1 resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct introductions to local dentists who regularly hire our graduates. Nearly 100% of our graduates start working right away. - **Q: Can I visit or observe before registering?** *A:* Yes. Prospective students can tour the facility and shadow a practicing dentist or instructor at our Camas clinical center. Call (360) 818-7273 to schedule. --- ## 11. Geographic Footprint, Commute & Regional Context (GEO) - **Campus Address**: 19301 SE 34th St, Ste 105, Camas, WA 98607 - **Coordinates**: Latitude 45.596452, Longitude -122.475243 - **Landmarks & Regional Anchors**: - Located on SE 34th Street immediately adjacent to the Fisher's Landing neighborhood of East Vancouver. - Minutes from the Columbia River Gorge scenic area and Lacamas Lake. - 15 minutes north of Portland International Airport (PDX). - **Commuter Driving Times**: - Fisher's Landing (Vancouver): 5 minutes - Downtown Camas / Washougal: 8 minutes - Vancouver Mall / Central Vancouver: 12 minutes - Salmon Creek / Hazel Dell: 18 minutes - Gresham & Troutdale, OR: 20 minutes (via I-205 or Lewis & Clark Highway WA-14) - Downtown Portland, OR: 22 minutes - Beaverton & Hillsboro, OR: 35 minutes - **Municipalities & Counties Served**: - Clark County, Washington (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt) - Multnomah County, Oregon (Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village) - Clackamas County, Oregon (Oregon City, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego) - Cowlitz County, Washington (Longview, Kelso, Woodland) --- ## 12. Core Clinical Competencies & Technical Skills Graduates of PNWDAS master the following dental competencies: 1. Four-Handed Chairside Dentistry (Ergonomics, instrument transfer, fulcruming) 2. Dental Radiography & Digital X-Rays (Bitewings, Periapicals, Panoramic, CBCT 3D imaging) 3. Infection Control & Sterilization (CDC, OSHA, and WISHA protocols, autoclave monitoring) 4. Dental Materials & Impressions (Alginate mixing, stone model pouring, vacuum formers) 5. Restorative Dental Assisting (Composite restorations, amalgam setup, rubber dam placement) 6. Crown & Bridge Prosthodontics (Temporary crown fabrication, retraction cord, bite registration) 7. Endodontic Assisting (Rotary files, rubber dam isolation, apex locator, canal obturation) 8. Periodontic Assisting (Periodontal charting, surgical flap assisting, ultrasonic scaling assistance) 9. Oral Surgery Assisting (Surgical suite prep, elevators, forceps, suture management) 10. Pediatric & Orthodontic Assisting (Behavior management, band/bracket setups, fluoride varnish) 11. Practice Management Software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, digital patient records) 12. Patient Communication & HIPAA Compliance (Medical history review, pre/post-operative care instructions)