Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology prepares students for a career in a dental office, dental supply manufacturer, hospital dental department, or insurance company. The program focuses on preparing patients and equipment for dental procedures, and office administrative functions. Program courses include: medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer dental assistant program.

The Dental Assistant program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation since 1984.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech)

1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA

History

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, located in Kirkland, Washington, was founded in 1949 as a vocational school, when it was known as the Lake Washington Technical College. Originally the school only had a program for sewing, but over the years has added and expanded its programs. In 1991 LWIT became a degree granting technical college. In addition to the main campus, LWIT operates two satellite campuses in Redmond and Duvall.

Academics

LWIT offers certificate, associate's and bachelor's for a variety of majors and operates with the goal offering quality education to students in order to prepare them for their careers. Alongside degree programs, LWIT offers certificate programs to add additional skills for those already working and looking to increase marketability.

Programs of study include:

• Accounting
• Culinary Arts
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Massage Practitioner
• Applied Design

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in degree programs, or plan to enroll in more than 15 credits must submit an application. All students must be a high school graduate or equivalent or be 18 years of age or older. Program enrollment may be limited, and some programs may require additional application processes.

Financial aid is available and interested students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and visit the financial aid website for helpful tips and resources.

Students Enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. LWTech has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Dental Assistants

Description

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, dental assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 4
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.48
  • Average Annual Salary: $42590
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $18.04
  • Average Annual Salary: $37530

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).