Dental Assistant
Our Dental Assistant Degree typically takes just five quarters to complete — you can get a great education and get ready for a great career in just over a year!
Get More Info
Visit the Program
Our next program info session for Dental Assistant is July 26 at 3 p.m. in Building 14, Room 107 . Come meet the instructors, see the classrooms, and learn how you can get started!
Sign Up
You can start the Dental Assistant degree or certificate program fall or spring quarter.
Enroll OnlineHow Much It Costs
For program costs, visit the Tuition and Fees page.
Costs are estimated and are not guarantees.
You can learn more about financial aid and scholarships right here. Or view our full tuition & fees breakdown.
How Long It Takes
Dental Assistant Degree: 5 quarters
Dental Assistant Certificate: 5 quarters
All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees.
Potential Careers
Graduates may find employment as dental assistants. In Washington, median pay for dental assistants is
$40,100 per year.
This is not a guarantee of employment or a certain wage. Full career data available at careerinfo.net
What You'll Learn
- How to select appropriate instruments, materials, and equipment for various dental procedures.
- How to anticipate the dentist’s needs based on the procedure being performed.
- How to correctly identify facial landmarks and dental anatomy.
Degrees & Certificates
Within our Dental Program, we offer both a Dental Assistant Degree and a Dental Assistant Certificate.
Dental Assistant Degree
Type: AAT
Avg. # of Quarters: 5
Dental Assistant Certificate
Type: Certificate
Avg. # of Quarters: 5
Meet the Instructors
Roberta Wirth
Roberta Wirth graduated from CPTC’s Dental Assistant program in 1983 and worked in pediatric and general dentistry for seven years in Tacoma. She’s been teaching at CPTC as a full-time instructor since 1990. She has an MS from Liberty University in Human Services with an emphasis on Executive Leadership. Contact Roberta Wirthroberta.wirth@cptc.edu
253-589-6024
Debra Carson-Lewandowski, CDA, RDA
After graduating from CPTC in 1974, Debra worked for 13 years in small private offices and a large-group practice. Debra also received her associates degree from Tacoma Community College in 2015. She’s been teaching since 1987 and is the vice president of the Pierce County Dental Foundation. Contact Debra Carson-Lewandowski, CDA, RDAdebra.carson-lewandowski@cptc.edu
253-589-6023
Hannah Precour
Hannah Precour graduated from CPTC in 2010 as a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant with a Dental Assisting Degree in Applied Technology. Hannah worked in an Endodontic specialty office for four years and continues to work part time as a dental assistant in a small family practice. Contact Hannah Precourhannah.precour@cptc.edu
253-589-5967