Everest College – Dental Assistant
Everest College’s dental assistant program covers everything from the basic science behind dentistry to the administrative skills and clinical knowledge needed in this field. Campus located in Tacoma and Renton, WA.
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About Dental Assistant Careers in Washington

Dental assistants work under the supervision of a dentist. They perform important administrative and clinical tasks. The demand for dental assistants is increasing as dentists take on more and more work.

Dental Assistant Salaries in Washington

Dental assistant earnings vary according to experience and qualifications. The average expected salary for a dental assistant in Washington is $47,000 per year. Dental assistants in Washington earn an average of 15% more than the average salary nationwide. A newly qualified dental assistant can expect to earn approximately $11.55 per hour, with experience this can increase to over $20 per hour.

Educational Requirements

Many dental assistants learn on the job however, an increasing number are being trained in colleges, trade schools or technical institutes offering dental assisting programs. High school students interested in a career in dental assisting should complete courses in chemistry, health, biology and office practices. Students wishing to pursue further education can complete a 1 year diploma or a two year program with a community or junior college. A two year program will lead to an associate’s degree.

Job Outlook

Dental assistants are in great demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, until the year 2016, the number of available dental assistant positions will exceed the number of qualified candidates. This is good news for anyone considering entering this field.

Roles and Responsibilities of Dental Assistants

Dental assistants are mostly found working in private offices for one or more dentists. Other opportunities exist for employment in clinics, hospitals, schools or with a public health department. A dental assistant needs to have a diverse skill set due to the wide variety of tasks they need to perform. A dental assistant’s responsibilities can include:

• Answering the telephone and scheduling appointments
• Ordering supplies
• Billing and collections
• Welcoming patients and making them feel comfortable
• Preparing patients for the dentist’s examination
• Maintaining patient records
• Organizing and handing instruments to the dentist during consultations
• Performing X-rays
• Operating the suction hose to ensure patients’ mouths are kept dry during procedures
• Prepare materials like fillings and cements
• Instruct patients on postoperative care
• Advise patients on oral hygiene

Most dental assistants will also need to perform laboratory tasks such as cleaning lab equipment and making lab impressions and casts.