Launch your dental career with free online training. Washington dental assistants earn $58,940+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$58,940/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
4,800+
Population 65+
16.2
Training Cost
FREE
Evergreen State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 4,800+ dental practices and a population where 16.2 are over 65.
Washington dental assistants earn $58,940 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $62,000 - $71,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Washington.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Washington requires dental assistants to be registered with the Washington State Department of Health. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Washington offers Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) credentials for additional clinical procedures through approved training and examination.
Washington requires dental assistants to complete a DOH-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Radiography certification is part of DA registration requirements and must be renewed with continuing education.
Largest market, UW dental school
Affluent Seattle suburb, tech industry
South Puget Sound
Eastern Washington hub
Portland metro, no state income tax
State capital
Washington offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 350+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195
Washington's only dental school with comprehensive clinical and research programs.
View Careers →Employees: 600+
Facilities: 30+ locations
Location: Multiple WA locations
National DSO with strong Washington presence.
View Careers →Employees: 400+
Facilities: 20+ locations
Location: Western Washington
DSO with significant Pacific Northwest presence.
View Careers →Employees: 400+
Facilities: 20+ dental locations
Location: Western Washington
Major community health center serving Washington's Latino communities.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 8 locations
Location: Tacoma/Pierce County
Community health center serving Pierce County's diverse populations.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 12 locations
Location: King County
Community health center serving King County's underserved communities.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: 10 locations
Location: Seattle area
Community health center serving Seattle's diverse neighborhoods.
View Careers →Employees: 6,800+
Facilities: 4,000+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices from Seattle to rural Eastern Washington.
View Careers →Sarah K.
Seattle • UW Dental
"Working at UW dental school means cutting-edge research and diverse patients. No state income tax!"
2024-11
Michael T.
Bellevue • Private Practice
"Eastside tech economy means premium wages. Affluent patients expect quality care."
2024-10
Jennifer R.
Tacoma • Community Health Care
"Community health work in Pierce County serves diverse families. Great mission-driven career!"
2024-09
Washington dental assistants earn an average of $58,940 annually ($28.34/hour)—among the highest nationally. Entry-level positions start at $47,500-$53,500, while experienced DAs earn $62,000-$71,000. Bellevue/Eastside pays highest at $58,000-$68,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Washington requires dental assistants to register with the Department of Health. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. EFDA credentials require additional training and examination for expanded functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Washington registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification. The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from enrollment to employment.
Excellent outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Washington's 7.8 million population, 4,800+ dental practices, and UW dental school create strong demand. Seattle tech economy and rapid growth drive premium wages statewide.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Washington DOH registration fee, radiography certification exam, and any optional certifications when ready. Washington has no state income tax, maximizing take-home pay!
Bellevue/Eastside leads with $58,000-$68,000 serving Seattle's affluent tech suburb. Seattle offers $56,000-$66,000 near UW dental school. Vancouver (WA) provides $51,000-$60,000 with Portland metro access and no state income tax benefit.
Washington offers: (1) Top-tier wages nationally, (2) No state income tax boosting take-home pay, (3) UW dental school for academic employment, (4) Strong FQHC network serving diverse populations, (5) Pacific Northwest lifestyle with outdoor recreation.
Washington's high wages reflect: (1) Seattle tech economy driving overall wage growth, (2) High cost of living in Puget Sound region, (3) No state income tax increasing gross compensation, (4) Competition for qualified healthcare workers, (5) Strong worker protections.
Join thousands of Washington residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredWashington's dental workforce serves approximately 7.8 million residents through an estimated 4,800+ dental practices. Seattle metro dominates dental employment, with significant markets in Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver (WA).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Washington employed approximately 12,400 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $58,940—among the highest nationally, reflecting Seattle's tech-driven economy.
University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle is the state's only dental school. The school trains approximately 60 dentists annually and operates extensive clinical programs creating academic employment opportunities.
Washington's lack of state income tax effectively increases net compensation, making the state's high gross wages even more valuable. This tax advantage attracts healthcare workers from neighboring states.
Seattle's tech economy (Amazon, Microsoft, Google) drives overall wage growth affecting all industries including healthcare. Dental practices competing for workers in this environment offer premium wages and benefits.
Washington's federally qualified health centers—including Sea Mar, HealthPoint, and Neighborcare—serve diverse populations throughout the state. These organizations provide mission-driven employment serving immigrant, low-income, and underserved communities.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.