Yakima Valley College Yakima, Washington

The Dental Assistant program at Yakima Valley College provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become valuable members of a dental healthcare team. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience and clinical externships, equipping students to assist dentists in a variety of procedures. Students can expect to learn about dental anatomy, chairside assisting techniques, sterilization and infection control protocols, dental radiography, and the use of various dental materials. The program most likely emphasizes patient care and communication skills. It typically lasts one to two years, culminating in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or a certificate, depending on the program structure. Graduates are prepared to work in general dentistry offices, specialized dental practices like orthodontics and periodontics, dental clinics, and public health settings. They will be capable of performing tasks such as preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, assisting during procedures, taking dental radiographs, and managing office tasks. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to pursue relevant certifications and enter the workforce as qualified dental assistants, contributing to the oral health of the Yakima Valley community.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Yakima Valley College on the NCES website.

* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates.
** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2022-2023 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.
NA (Not applicable) – Graduation rate, transfer-out rate and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.