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.

Schools in Washington

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  Everest College

  At all Everest College campuses, we maintain a well-defined program philosophy: provide a quality education that emphasizes practical skills; employ a highly skilled and dedicated faculty; cater to students seeking a strong knowledge base and the experience needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Our programs emphasize real-world training that is tailored to meet the needs of potential employers. The fields of study focus on industries that offer solid, long-term career opportunities for graduates.

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  Charter College

  Charter’s philosophy is to direct you not only to the highest level of academic achievement and performance, but also strives to nourish your personal and professional growth. We have an obligation to you and a potential employer in this community to produce competent graduates who can succeed in an ever-changing, richly diverse workplace.

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  Anthem College

  Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

  At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.

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  Heald College

  Heald College has a long history. Over 145 years ago, Edward Payson Heald opened the first Heald College in San Francisco, California. His mission was, and continues to be, to prepare students for business careers by providing them with career education that focused on practical, hands-on learning. Heald College has persevered since 1863, always remaining true to its original mission. As the needs of the workplace changed, the Heald College curriculum evolved from business courses to include technology, healthcare and legal degrees. As Heald College heads toward its 150th anniversary, we look back on a proud history as the first business college in the western United States.

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  Carrington College

  Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.