I came to Northshore Dental Assisting Academy in 2014 through a referral, my friend, who had had a positive experience with the course and had begun her career as an assistant. I am incredibly thankful I researched and chose this school for reasons beyond just the coursework and education. Main takeaways: - This is not a certified course but you leave the program more than prepared and capable to work in a dental office. I found a job a month after graduating. 75% of the course is spent "in the chair" (meaning hands on practice) and Cynthia, the owner, invests in top of the line equipment. Each instructor is a current RDA who each do this additional to their 40 hour work weeks; they provide real-life knowledge of what's going on the field. Northshore has a great reputation in the dental community.*please note there is no externship or "in office" days. -Cynthia invests everything into making sure her students are prepared and polished. It was here I became more aware that the work you put out into the world reflects upon who you are as a person and it is gratifying to know you provided excellent care to your patients. Details matter! I also felt I grew socially and emotionally. As an assistant you must emphathize with your patients, the dentist is a scary place for a lot of people! -On that note: be prepared to work hard. The instructors and administrators care deeply for the work they do and they want you to succeed, but you are the only one who can make that decision. If you find yourself to be dedicated and passionate, this is a great school for you. Before I started, I felt unsure of who I was and lacked confidence, but when I started class, I commited to giving it my all and learned that I can do some amazing stuff, more than I ever thought I was capable of! What you learn: -of course, check the website -technical terms -chairside dentistry -prodecural work -x-rays and technical work -organizational/time management skills -bedside manner -marketing skills (how to present yourself and build your resume) Thanks, Cynthia! read more

Okay, lets be honest, you can't believe everything you read on the internet, but really, all these reviews are truthful (minus one...) Im not going to write it all out here what you will learn, because you are checking this review to see what other people think, not to find information. You can look at the website for that... I just recently attended NSDAA. at first I was skeptical because it was intimidating because its kind of another world that you never knew about. But, the teachers are SO wonderful, and really take the time to answer your questions/concerns. I believe you can only be a teacher if you are passionate about what you do, and these instructors most definitely are! They only want you to be just as successful as they are. Some of my friends have attended other programs and did not get nearly as much as what NSDAA offers. They cover every base; from putting together a resume(even help you know what to not wear to an interview haha), to helping you hold and use an instrument correctly. You receive the best of the best here. It is definitely worth your time and money. Cynthia (the owner) has really been a huge key in my success. Being in class was actually enjoyable, and I learned more then just dental assisting here; sounds cheesy, but I feel like I personally grew up and became confident in something (besides soccer!) Everyones goal out of this is to get a job and DR's like seeing that you have attended this school on your resume. They are aware of the quality of your education from this school. There are more options out of school too in Dental offices. You can do sales, patient coordinator, scheduling coordinator, specialty dentistry, the possibilities are endless in the dental field. The schedule is ideal, Either fridays, or Saturdays. 22 weeks. I looked forward to fridays. It was fun learning there! You can carry on with a normal working life and still get a quality education. So if your looking for that, go set up a meeting! Cynthia loves to talk :) read more

I recently attended this school. The instructors are motivated and very helpful. I enjoyed my time there and did well. Stressful at times but I learned alot. A positive experience..... until it all hit the fan...... The problem didnt surface til after graduation. Every job I applied for had 50+ other applicants and the salary is about half what I was told to expect. I have several classmates with similar experience and who are very unhappy but they are afraid to say anything for fear of being blacklisted. What do I have to lose? I cant find a job anyway! Did you know in WA state Dental Assts are not required to go to school? Did you know they make about as much as grocery clerks? Did you know they work their butts off for peanuts? yeah, dont bother going to dental assisting school and having a student loan debt like me. Sure the field has some good jobs, if you happen to get in good with a nice dentist...sadly, I dont have any connections in the dental world so the chance of me getting a good job, despite my A in the class, is zilch. Believe me I have tried! Furthermore, I have heard a long term, respected dentist say that assts are come and go and easily replaced. I wish I had known all this before paying my NONREFUNDABLE tuition. So lets summarize: Few jobs + tons of applicants + miserable pay = consider this carefully before paying your money. cuz you wont be seeing it again! read more

I was fortunate enough to get to work with this staff and school on a new marketing campaign. Cynthia is truly one of the nicest, most humble person I have ever met. We came in to shoot photos of the student's in action, the school was very clean and everyone was extremely kind and seemed to be happy to be there. The instructors were very knowledgeable, offering gentle guidance when needed to allow the student's to learn by actually doing the work on their own. We were able to speak with each student and not one of them had a bad thing to say about the school or their education. My dentist actually has a couple assistant's in her office that graduated from Northshore. They are extremely nice and professional and very successful in their positions, Norhtshore even referred them to their new jobs, which is not a requirement of the school. I am a firm believer that Northshore's intentions are to mold their student's into successful assistant's in the dental field. There are some people that may not be interested in doing the work to be successful and that, in my opinion, is not Northshore's fault in any way, if you are not willing to do the work, you will not get the results, in any school, no matter what. I HIGHLY recommend Northshore Dental Assisting Academy. read more

I attended Northshore in the winter of 2009. It is an intensive, fast-paced program over a period of 22 weeks. They have a great facility that allows for lectures and practicing your skills in one location. Cynthia and her staff are very knowledgeable and prepare you for a great career in dental assisting. The classes are ideal for someone who is working full-time and wants to study for another career. Northshore taught me the skills and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my goal of being a dental assistant. I was hired at the office I interned at, and have been there for nearly 3 years, and love my job. I enjoyed my experience at Northshore and would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting a career in the dental assisting field. I have recently joined the staff at Northshore Dental Assisting Academy! I truly believe in this program, as it is has changed my life. After many years of not having a career path, I now have a career, where I can continue to learn and grow! read more

My experience as a NSDAA student was fantastic. This is more than your average tech school. Cynthia & her staff are very caring, helpful & want you to succeed. They provide a very fast paced program, perfect for the student who is self-motivated and eager to learn about working as a dental assistant. Upon graduation you are the complete "package" as they go the extra mile to help you prepare your resume, get you CPR/1st Aid certified, OSHA/WISHA certified, & show you how to become a Registered Dental Assistant with Washington State. Within in couple of months of graduating, I was hired at a dream office thanks to Cynthia, who recommended me to the dentist. I was very confident entering the field of dental assisting after my experience at NSDAA and I would highly recommend this school to anyone wishing to start a career in the field of dentistry! read more

I took this course last winter and absolutely loved it! I hadn't been to school in 5 years so I was nervous, but every single one of the instructors had faith in me as well as the rest of the class. Class is once a week so it allowed me to go to school AND keep my job. Even tho class is once a week you still have your work cut out for you. You need to be dedicated and committed to the program. They start you off with book work and dental terms and then gradually ease you into chair side. They also offer "open lab" on Wednesday's for you to come in ANY time during the day to practice your skills chair side, which I think is awesome! I also really liked that the classes were small because it allowed more one on one time with the instructors. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to join the dental field and better themselves. read more

I am currently attending Northshore Dental Assisting Academy, and after reviewing a number of different schools this was the obvious choice. Their accelerated learning program (all day either Friday or Saturday) allows me to continue working my normal hours at work, and I am able to finish this 5 month program and jump into my new career. Their staff has provided me with a well rounded learning experience, both chair-side and lecture. Along with the clinical training, they have also provided us with practical knowledge to be applied in the dental field. They really go the extra mile for their students by helping with job placement and giving resume help. I would recommend this school to anyone! I have loved getting to know the staff and appreciate all they have done to further me in my education and someday, my career. read more

My experience at Northshore Dental Assisting Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. It fit my schedule perfectly and I learned all of the basic skills a dental assistant is supposed to know, as well as tips from the awesome instructors that I will never forget. They made me feel confident that I could go out and be able to do my dental assisting duties with no hesitation. The instructors are ALWAYS there to help and they really truly care about your success. They understand that people learn in different ways and they will find a way (no matter what it takes) to get you to the point where you feel confident. I have so much respect for all of them and am so thankful I got the opportunity to go to this school! If you are ready to start your journey into the dental world this is the place to be. read more

If anyone is pursuing a career in dentistry as a dental assistant, I would hands down, 100% recommend attending this school. After graduating from the school, I was employed at an office with 2 other brand new assistants that went to a 12 week program and the other a year long program. The amount of knowledge and skills that I had over the other two was very definite. The doctors in my office were surprised that I was a recent graduate because with what I was taught, they had thought I had been in the industry for a while. There really are no words to describe how much I appreciate Cynthia and her staff. It's very rare to find people who genuinely care and how passionate they are to educate and prepare future dental assistants. They truly go above and beyond! read more

Last year I decided I had had enough of my dead end job and wanted a career change. I was recommended dental assisting through a friend and thought it seemed like an interesting, challenging field! I first looked into a dental school nearby that seemed quite rushed at only 3 months of instruction. Upon finding Northshore Dental Assisting Academy I found the education I was looking for, and I could have it completed in six months. I seriously recommend this six month program over a more rushed program...I always feel that everything has been thoroughly explained and I have ample opportunities to practice! I would tell anyone who is even considering this field to come speak with Cynthia and get all your questions answered and start a new career! read more

I graduated from Northshore Dental Academy in 2013. I had an amazing experience and did not have to wait long to find employment at an amazing office. The staff at Northshore Dental Academy is helpful and always supportive. They are hands on everyday and are always positive. The course is fast pace, but the open lab offered is helpful and beneficial for experience. The instructors are helpful without hesitation. Not only did I learn so much through each phase of class, I developed friendships with the students that I still have today. Cynthia has given me advise and tools I can use everyday. She takes pride in her school and students. This school is a great option for anyone interested in dental assisting. read more

This school really made a difference in my life. Cynthia and her staff made this a most memorable time for me. They want nothing more than each student to be successful. Its a fast pace school with a lot to learn in a short time, but the ladies there make it so enjoyable and are there helping you with anything that you need. Due to their learning techniques and teaching the way they do I had no problem getting a job before I even finished school!! Even though its been a couple of years since I graduated, Cynthia is still there when I reach out to her for questions or advice. She truly has a big heart!!! This was the best decision and you will have the same great experience!! read more

After taking several years off from Dental Assisting to stay home with my children it became time to reenter the work force. Northshore Dental Assisting Academy was just the right place for me to reeducate myself as a Dental Assistant. The course schedule is one day per week for 22 weeks, which is perfect for anyone with a busy family life or full time job during the week. The instructors are fantastic, fun and they are there to help you succeed in the Dental field. I would recommend Northshore Dental Assisting Academy to anyone who is looking to start a career as a Dental Assistant! read more

By far the highest education you can acquire. I am very satisfied with this school, the instructors and the calm, upbeat atmosphere. The women who teach here truely care about each and every student, they're willing to go above and beyond to make sure each student has a thorough understanding of everything. Patience and the positive reservation was the key to my success! Thank you Northshore for creating a memorable, educational experience for me, as well as helping to pave the way for my dental field future. -Shaunte' read more

I graduated from Northshore Dental Assisting Academy in 2016. I have no regret about choosing this school over many other similar schools in the Seattle area. This is an excellent starting point if you are looking to become a proficient dental assistant. Training is challenging, but the instructors will take the extra time to help you until you grasp the subject. I am fully confident in my abilities as a dental assistant thanks to the Northshore Dental Assisting Academy! read more

I am still currently enrolled and I am so glad I chose to attend this school. The staff is awesome and they are very nice. I have learned and done so much already and this truly is a great experience. It is very helpful to be in a small class because you get all the help you need. The teachers answer all questions and push you to do your best. Attending this school has to be the best decision I've ever taken. read more

This school is amazing. If you are even considering dental assisting, I highly recommend you try this school. It is a wonderfully constructed program and equips you to begin working as quickly as possible. Everyone on staff is so kind and helpful, and their placement record is impeccable. I wouldn't have chosen to go anywhere else. read more

Northshore Dental Assisting Academy is a great choice if your wanting a career in dental assisting. The staff is very knowledgable and they really strive to make you the best dental assistant. I am so glad I made the choice to come to this school. I would recommend this school to anyone. read more