How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tacoma
Start a rewarding healthcare career in as little as 12 weeks â no prior experience needed. Here's your step-by-step guide.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply now and a member of our admissions team will walk you through everything you need to know.
- Weeks to Graduate
- 12 Weeks
- Next Start Date
- October 17, 2026
- Total Tuition
- $3,890
Becoming a dental assistant in Tacoma takes 12 weeks: apply, complete hands-on training, gain real-world experience through an externship, finish your program, and start applying for jobs. No prior healthcare experience, degree, or entrance exam required. Here's how each step works.
Become a Dental Assistant in 5 Steps
Dental assistants are in high demand across Tacoma and the surrounding area. Here's how you can start your new career:
Apply to Tacoma Dental Assistant School
Fill out our simple application â it takes about a minute. No prerequisites, no entrance exams. Our admissions team will guide you through the rest.
Complete Your Training
In just 12 weeks, you'll learn everything from dental terminology and clinical procedures to hands-on skills in a real dental office. Topics include infection control, chairside assisting, and digital charting.
Gain Real-World Experience
Work in a real dental office through our externship program, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.
Finish Your Training
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card through the American Heart Association, plus documented hands-on hours in a real dental office â the experience employers ask about first.
Start Your Career
Our career services team helps connect you with local dental offices that are hiring. We assist with resume preparation, interview coaching, and job placement support.
Why Tacoma Is a Great Place to Start
Dental assistants are in demand across Tacoma and WA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earn a median annual wage of $48,070, with employment projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025).
12 Weeks
From enrollment to graduation
$3,890 Tuition
Weekly payment plans available â no need to pay it all upfront
Job Placement Support
Resume, interview coaching, and help finding open positions after graduation
No Experience Needed
You don't need any prior healthcare experience or college coursework to enroll. Our program is designed for people from all backgrounds who are ready for a career change. All you need is a desire to learn and a commitment to your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Tacoma?
At Tacoma Dental Assistant School, the program runs 12 weeks from enrollment to graduation, combining hands-on training with a real-world externship in a dental office.
What are the requirements to become a dental assistant?
You'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED â a U.S. college transcript showing your high school graduation date works too. There's no entrance exam, and no prior healthcare experience or college coursework is required. Contact admissions to confirm the exact enrollment requirements for Tacoma.
How much does dental assistant training cost in Tacoma?
Tuition at Tacoma Dental Assistant School is $3,890. Weekly payment plans are available, so you don't need to pay the full amount upfront. See current tuition and payment plan details.
Is there a faster way to become a dental assistant?
Community college dental assisting programs commonly run 9 to 24 months. Tacoma Dental Assistant School's 12-week program is built entirely around hands-on clinical training and a real-world externship, without the added general-education coursework those programs typically include.
Ready to start your dental assistant career in Tacoma? Explore the Tacoma Dental Assistant School program details or start your application today.
What Are Our Students Saying?
I have just about 2 weeks until I can finally say âIâve completed my programâ & I already have landed a JOB! That right there should speak for itself. Donât let hearing the program is âacceleratedâ let that scare you away from your dream câĻ
SO FAR THE CLASS IS AMAZING! The hands on looks so fun more than stressful and classes arenât really much of weight on ur back! Teacher was great energy off the roof ! Definitely feels like an environment Iâd stay in. Sent from my iPhone
I had Stephiany! She was great very sweet and nicely always helps! This program has gotten me ready for this job!
Your New Career Starts Here
Start your dental assistant career with Tacoma Dental Assistant School.
- Mon–Fri
- 6:00am - 5:00pm PT
- Saturday
- 6:00am - 2:00pm PT
- Sunday
- Closed