Bellingham Dental Assistant School

Dental Assistant Training in Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham Dental Assistant School is a training center specializing in dental assistant education. Its program is taught in real dental offices in Bellingham and combines theoretical instruction with direct practice on the equipment and materials used in the daily operations of a clinic. The school presents itself as a joint initiative between Zollege and local dental offices, so students learn in the same environment where professional work takes place.

A 12-Week Intensive Program

The training program lasts twelve weeks and is designed to enter the job market without taking on student debt. The school offers flexible start dates throughout the year and various payment options, including weekly plans. The admissions process consists of four steps: learn about the program and speak with the admissions team, complete the application by choosing a start date and payment method, pay the deposit to reserve a spot — which is deducted from tuition — and complete the training by following the program's guidance. When classes begin, students receive a free set of scrubs.

Skills and Certifications Upon Completion

Those who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion, a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card issued by the American Heart Association, and become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) after registering with the Washington State Department of Health. The training emphasizes the practical skills employers in the field demand, with classes taught by professionals experienced in the daily operations of a dental practice.

Career Support

The school includes job preparation and support services, such as resume review, interview tips, and guidance from employment specialists. The program includes an externship that facilitates the transition to a real dental environment. The institution itself notes that dental assistants are among the fastest-growing healthcare roles: it cites a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projection of 7% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, with a national median wage of $48,070 per year for this occupation.

Facilities and Teaching Staff

Classes take place in a professional, fully equipped environment where students practice with the same tools and technologies used in today's dental offices. The school highlights the experience of its instructors, who are able to translate theory into applicable skills, and the availability of flexible schedules to accommodate each student's circumstances.

Origin and History of the Group

Zollege was founded in 2010 as Vandelay Education by Dr. Thomas Ince, a dentist who couldn't find well-trained dental assistants to hire. Rather than wait for traditional programs to change, he created a shorter one, taught hands-on in working dental offices, and structured to be paid for without loans. His brother Ryan, a physician, faced the same problem on the medical side, and the two collaborated on a medical assistant program built with the same accelerated, in-office approach.

Admission Requirements and Contact Process

To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The school offers a virtual information event and a free course guide detailing the program, curriculum, career opportunities, tuition costs, and alumni experiences. The school is authorized and regulated by the Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board.

Location and Contact

1800 C Street, Suite 225, Bellingham, WA 98225 · Phone: (360) 276-2158 · Email: info@bellinghamdentalassistant.com · Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00am - 5:00pm PT; Saturday 6:00am - 2:00pm PT; Sunday Closed