Dental Assistant Schools in Washington

The following guide discusses the steps required to become a dental assistant in Washington as extensively as possible while getting straight to the point. Interested individuals in the state will understand what they need to prioritize to secure admission into an excellent training program.

They will also understand what possible training pathways are available to them and why some forms of dental assisting training may be better than others. Subsequently, we will discuss some steps that candidates can take to pursue opportunities, including certification possibilities.

The guide concludes with a list of the top programs and salary projections for professionals in the field, specifically in Washington.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Washington

The following is a step-by-step overview of how to become a dental assistant in Washington.

Cultivating Important Qualities

Cultivating important qualities is valuable for a prospective dental assistant in Washington, even before they start formal training. Among other soft skills, candidates are expected to cultivate interpersonal and effective communication skills.

Detail orientation and organizational skills are also vital.

Researching Training Programs

Researching training programs is one of the fundamental steps to starting a career as a dental assistant. When choosing a training program, candidates can consider factors such as cost, clinical experience, curriculum, and program length.

Training Pathways

Even though it is possible for a prospective dental assistant in Washington to choose an “on-the-job” training pathway, many tend to begin their education at a community college. This way, they will learn theoretical concepts and gain a relevant degree before consolidating their skills in an actual work environment.

The best programs also help candidates secure placement for supervised experience in a real-world setting.

Employment & Career Opportunities

After technical training and some experience in a practical environment, dental assistants can begin to work towards securing entry-level employment. They may also consider advanced education and certification for career opportunities.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Washington State Department of Health issues state licenses to dental assistants. The department offers an online portal for candidates to manage their applications and subsequent licensing.

Applicants must be prepared to verify their identities by providing supporting documents, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate. Those who have completed the process will receive an email confirmation of their application, which includes a credentialing number.

Application for a dental assistant license in Washington costs $40, and renewal costs $25.

Apart from licensing, candidates may also want to pursue certification and professional credentials for career growth. The Dental Assisting National Board is the prominent authority in this regard.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Washington

Below are some of the most prominent training programs in Washington.

Explore dental assistant schools in Washington by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

There are several places in Washington where dental assistants manage an impressive annual average salary by location. Currently, the following are some of the best places to work as a dental assistant in the state based on annual average income alone:

• Lynnwood, with an annual average salary of $88,163;
• Federal Way, with an annual average salary of $87,273;
• Mill Creek, with an annual average salary of $86,741;
• Olympia, with an annual average salary of $84,888 and
• Kent, with an annual average salary of $84,466.

Naturally, location is not the only issue worth discussing regarding a dental assistant’s annual income. Experience, work environment, and specific employers can also influence these figures.

However, without addressing any single factor, dental assistants in Washington can expect an annual average salary of $85,093 if they are in the median range of earners (which is where most professionals fall).

If they fall in the bottom-earning range, they can expect an annual average salary of $65,593. Dental assistants in Washington at the top of the profession manage an annual average salary of $110,390.