In-Person Dental Assisting Program

Top Rated • 10-Week Only 

In-Person Classes & Hands-on Training

Weekday or Weekend Classes

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

CLASSES

In-Person Course Features

Dental assisting is a rapidly growing career field. Secure your future and begin a rewarding career as a dental assistant working alongside dentists. With a success rate of 95%, over 38 years of combined dentistry experience, and more than 800 happy students, Vancouver Dental Assisting School has been the #1 choice for many students looking to start their dental assisting career here in the Pacific Northwest!

We are registered within the State of Washington. The Vancouver Dental Assisting School is a postsecondary educational institution certified and licensed by the State of Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. We certify students from Vancouver and the Portland metro area. Our farthest Alumni students were from Winlock, WA, and Dallas, OR.

Accredited & Reputable

Reputable Dental Assisting school

We are a certified and licensed postsecondary educational institution. With a dedicated and experienced faculty, a fast-paced 10-week curriculum, and a track record of producing top-tier dental assisting professionals, we stand as the epitome of quality education in the field. Let us nurture your skills and propel you toward a thriving career in dental assisting.

Hands-On Training with Real Patients

Prepare for the real world

At VDAS, we believe in the power of practical experience. We take pride in offering our dental assisting students an immersive learning environment where they gain invaluable hands-on training with real patients. Through this thoughtful approach, we ensure that our students develop the necessary skills and confidence to excel in the real world of dental care.

Small Class Size

One-On-One Attention

With 12 student maximum per class, we ensure every student gets the attention they deserve. Each student benefits from individualized mentorship, leading to an enriched learning journey that fosters personal growth and development.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

Beyond Affordable

Aside from the typical financing assistance and scholarships, VDAS offers an in-house payment plan starting as low as $250/m with zero financing cost and no credit check required. 100% interest-free! 

Our Program Outline

The Dental Assisting Program will include courses on the following subjects, with both classroom and clinical training:

  • Introduction to Dentistry and Dental Assisting
  • Basic Dental Assisting Theory
  • Assisting for Operative Dentistry
  • Radiology (licensed instructor for both WA and Oregon)
  • Assisting for Prosthodontics
  • Dental Specialties
  • Cosmetic Dentistry – Introduction to Administrative Techniques
  • Interview Techniques,
  • CPR Certification and Necessary AIDs/HIV training

Upcoming Sessions

transform Your career in 2023!

Feb 21st, 24
Feb 25th, 24

Weekday or Weekend Classes

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Why Choose Dental Assisting

Why Dental Assisting?

Vancouver Dental Assisting School’s in-person dental assisting program is designed to help you prepare for a rewarding career as a dental assistant in Washington and Oregon. With our engaging in-person coursework, hands-on educational labs with real patients, and personal instructors to help you succeed, we put you on track to pursue your career goals.

Dental Assistants made a median salary of $41,180 in 2020

Projected Annual Job Growth (FASTER Than Industry Average)

Dental Assistants Rank #25 in Best HealthCare Support Jobs

Why Choose Our Dental Assisting School in Vancouver, Washington.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

Weekend or Weekday Classes Available

Hands-on Training with Real Patients

Scholarship and Financial Assistance Available

Lifetime Mentorship Available

Dental Office Network with Many Job Opportunities

Top-Rate Instructors and School Director

Our School Faculty

Dr. Herma Ranola

Director of Student Success • Dentist

Dr. Ranola started Vancouver Dental Assisting School to share her knowledge and expertise with students who want to pursue a career in dentistry. Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Ranola began her journey as a registered dental assistant. Because of that, she understands just how important it is to have high-quality dental assistants. 

Dr. Ranola is knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about continued education, both personally and professionally. She particularly enjoys mentoring students who do not thrive in a traditional school setting or struggle with confidence. She looks forward to meeting every new student and helping them achieve a fulfilling dental career as she has.

Jasmine Schuetze

Director of Education • Lead Instructor

Jasmine has been a practicing dental assistant for over 15 years. She has assisted with many types of procedures, including oral surgery, crowns, root canals, and orthodontics. When she is not leading our students into their future careers, she is the Team Leader at Ranieu Family Dental. She has held a current RDA for Washington state as well as RHS and Oregon radiology certificate and is currently working toward getting her EFDA. Jasmine balances her work and life by enjoying family time with her daughter, Kalisi. Together, they enjoy all the local hiking trails and are avid campers.

Liz Rodriguez

Instructor

Liz has been a dental assistant for over two years and genuinely enjoys the role. The dental field has always appealed to her due to the inviting atmosphere. Helping Spanish-speaking patients effectively communicate their needs to dental providers brings her immense satisfaction.
I've gained experience assisting in diverse procedures like root canals, crowns, and her favorite one of all - extractions.

Now, as a dental assistant instructor, She is passionate about encouraging others to join this fulfilling field. Beyond her role as a clinical leader, She finds joy in staying active at the gym, dancing, and cherishing moments with her friends and family.

Fernando Tino Coj

Instructor

Fernando has been an experienced and hands-on dental assistant in Vancouver, Washington for over 4 years. When he is not teaching and sharing his knowledge/skills with our VDAS students, he enjoys the rewarding dental assisting career he's chosen and helping his patients with their oral health. Fernando excels in assisting in a variety of complex dental procedures such as root canals, extraction, implants, etc.
Outside of work and teaching, he enjoys time with his wife and family, playing guitar, and running.

Nikki Hernandez

Instructor

With over 3 years of hands-on dental assisting experience, Nikki has established herself as a seasoned dental assistant. Having been a resident of Vancouver, Washington for 26 years, she has deep roots in the local community. Nikki enjoys immense fulfillment from her dental assistant role and has thrived as an instructor, where she can share her valuable knowledge from real-world experience.

When she's not educating VDAS students, Nikki leads Ranieu Family Dental's registered dental assistants. Beyond her professional commitments, she appreciates spending quality time with her husband and two children.

Amazing program! I love how excited Jasmine and Dr. Ranola are about our success. They never hesitate to give us great resources for externships. I was able to get hands on experience in the first few weeks with live patients. The 10 week program was so easy to fit into my busy schedule. I dedicated my time to my career and had multiple job offers by the time I graduated!

Thank you Jasmine and Dr. for pushing us to our full potential!

Nikki H.

Registered Dental Assistant, Vancouver, WA

FAQ

Frequently Asked

10-week vs. 1-year dental assisting program. Which one should I choose?

In a typical 12-month program, you will pay thousands more in tuition sitting in classroom lectures and receive less one-on-one attention. With our intense and comprehensive curriculum, you will receive hands-on training from day one. Our classroom size is capped at 12 students, which means you will receive individualized help from the instructions to help you succeed. Vancouver Dental Assisting School offers a short-term solution to what can be a long-term program.

Are there opportunities for hands-on training with real patients at your school?

Absolutely. We believe practical experiences are extremely important for our students to succeed in the real world. Over the course of the 10-week program, our students will actively participate in various hands-on experiences, gaining valuable exposure while working directly with real patients

I live in Oregon. Does your school help certify students from Portland, Oregon?

Of course! We certify many students from Oregon every year. In fact, our farthest Alumni students were from Winlock, WA, and Dallas, OR. Our program will help prepare you to succeed in your dental assisting career in both Oregon and Washington. 

Are there any financial aid options, scholarships, or payment plans available to help with tuition costs?

Not only does our school offer scholarships to students, but we also partner with OR/WA WorkSource to help students qualify for their financial training assistance programs.

Don’t think you can qualify for financial aid or a scholarship? We’ve got you covered! Aside from the typical financing assistance and scholarships, VDAS offers an in-house payment plan starting at $250/month with zero financing cost and no credit check required!

Absolutely the best Dental Assisting School in the Pacific Northwest! Dr. Ranola and Jasmine Schuetze are amazing people. They go out of their way to make sure that their students feel confident and prepared. I am a domestic violence survivor and this school completely turned my life around. I am a Vancouver Dental Assisting School graduate of 2022. Vancouver Dental Assisting School is genuinely one of the best things that has ever happened to me. You get instant hands on experience as well as book studies. I am now CPR/AED certified as well, which is covered by this program!

This school truly leaves you prepared for the Dental Field. They focus on leadership teachings/mentality which is crucial and extremely beneficial for anyone looking to grow. You can always ask for additional help and they go out of their way to give you extra training if you ask.

1000000/10 recommend.

Michaela S.

Registered Dental Assistant, Vancouver, WA

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OPTIONS

Other Programs We Offer

In-Person Dental Assisting Program

Prefer to learn in person? Check out our face-to-face dental assisting program!

In-Person Dental Front Desk Program

Looking to become a dental front desk at a local dental office? Click to learn more!

Online Dental Front Desk Program

We now offer an online dental front desk program. Learn from home today!

Transform Your Career

Reach Out to us today!