Dental Assistant

College Application Steps

Visit our Enroll Now page to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Additional Program Specific Steps

• Attend an information session (expand the next collapsible).
• Download and read our program information packet (PDF 1270 KB).
• Apply to our program.

Important Dates for Dental Assisting Class of 2027

• Online application opens: April 2026 
• Online application deadline: June 22, 2026 
• Admissions notifications released: June 26, 2026 
• Mandatory Dental Assisting Orientation: July 10, 2026 
• Dental Assisting "Jump Start": September 25, 2026 
• Start of Classes: September 28, 2026

Live Information Sessions

• April 20, 10 a.m., Zoom 
• June 1, 10 a.m., Zoom 
• June 22, 10 a.m., in-person at Health Education Center

Please contact DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu for further information.

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at Central. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.

Program Fees

There are program-specific fees and costs required of all dental programs students. Please see program information packet or contact DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu for further information.

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Workforce Funding

This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:

• Basic Food Employment And Training
• Work First
• Worker Retraining
• Opportunity Grant

• In-person

This is a cohort-based program and typically begins in Fall Quarter.

The Dental Assistant pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment as a dental assistant.

Credits earned in certificate programs are generally applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.

Math and English placement are required. Use Central’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.

High School Diploma or GED

ENGL 98 or higher

60 Units

Technical Specialty Courses

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

• Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
• Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
• If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Academic Advising Center.
• Research and apply for grants and scholarships.

Quarter 1, 16 Units

To-do List

Quarter 2, 17 Units

To-do List

Quarter 3, 16 Units

To-do List

Quarter 4, 12 Units

To-do List

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior and service to diverse populations.
• Support evidence-based dental care as a member of the oral healthcare team.
• Value their responsibility to the community by providing community service and outreach.
• Appreciate the scientific method, self-assessment, and life-long learning.
• Achieve personal and professional goals in diverse settings based on the Seattle Central College learning outcomes.

Dental Education Clinic

Dental care services are available to the public at the new Dental Education Clinic on the fourth floor of Seattle Central College’s Health Education Center in the historic Pacific Tower. The Dental Education Clinic operates under a dual education and service model, the first of its kind in the nation.

Through a groundbreaking partnership with Delta Dental and Neighborcare Health, the Dental Education Clinic offers preventive and restorative dental services performed by a licensed dentist with the support of Dental Hygiene, Dental Assistant, and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) students.

The clinic is fully accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA), and offers pricing models to serve low-income patients.

Learn more about Neighborcare Health at Pacific Tower.

Gainful Employment

• Program Name: Dental Assistant
• Time to Completion: This program is designed to be completed in 12 months.
• Program Costs: This program will cost $6,900 if completed within normal time (including in-state tuition, fees, books and supplies). There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.
• Median loan information: Fewer than 10 students with loans completed this program within normal time. The median loan amount has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of the students.
• States where the program qualifies students to sit for licensure exam: Washington 

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions view this website collegescorecard.ed.gov.

Program data from ctcLink:

• Academic Plan: DEADAC45
• Degree: CERT
• Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Dental Assistant
• Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
• Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0601

Dental Programs
DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-4068

Dental Assisting Certificate Program
Lauren Acheson, RDH, EFDA, CDA
Lauren.Acheson@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-4186

Advising Center
BE 1102
AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-4068