Due to the COVID-19 Impact: BTC is suspending new student enrollment for the 2020/21 academic year in Dental Assisting. BTC continues to explore ways to enroll Dental Assisting students in the future. If you have declared your intent for this program, you have been sent an email with details.
Students interested in the Dental Assisting Program are encouraged to meet with the Program Navigator Laura Doss ldoss@btc.edu
Please attend the online session and learn about our Nursing & Allied Health Programs, and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.
Take the right steps to launch your career as a dental assistant. The Dental Assisting Program at Bellingham Technical College will provide top job training so you’ll learn how to assist dentists in caring for patients and how to work effectively in a dental office.
Choose BTC’s Dental Assisting Program to train for a position as a dental assistant. Learn how to provide patient care, perform office duties and lab work.
Note: The Dental Assisting Certificate Program is no longer a CODA Accredited Program.
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Dental Assisting curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
93% BTC graduate placement rate
$35,776 starting annual wageBTC is offering a new Dental Assisting Certificate beginning Fall 2021.
Students interested in the Dental Assisting Program are encouraged to meet with the Program Navigator Laura Doss ldoss@btc.edu.
There is NO application required for this program.
The student navigator will help you plan a course of study. This program will admit students into first quarter core courses in the fall, winter and spring.
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
The Dental Assisting Certificate Program is no longer a CODA Accredited Program.
Interested students in the Dental Assisting Certificate should meet with the program navigator.
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DEN 101 | Introduction to Dental Assisting | 3 CR |
AENGL 100 | Applied English | 5 CR |
AMATH 100 | Applied Occupational Math | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communication | 5 CR |
DEN 106 | Fundamentals of Dental Safety | 4 CR |
DEN 107 | Dental Assisting Radiology | 3 CR |
DEN 108 | Foundations of Clinical Procedures | 4 CR |
DEN 109 | Dental Assisting Lab Practicum | 6 CR |
Employment opportunities for dental assistants in Washington State are expected to grow due to rapid employment growth and above average job turnover.
About 93% of BTC Dental Assisting students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $42,682, with an earning potential of about $50,898 per year.
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Most dental assistants are employed by private dental offices. Dental assistants may also be employed by orthodontists, periodontists, hospitals, dental schools, state and local public health departments, the military, or in clinics. Although most program graduates work as dental assistants, opportunities may also exist for employment as research assistants or sales representatives.
Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!