Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School in Camas, Washington has expanded its hands-on lab training to help students prepare better for dental careers. The program now offers increased access to in-person practice sessions, aiming to support students from Camas, Vancouver, and the wider Portland area as they get ready to work in dental offices.
The expanded training includes more time for students to repeatedly practice key tasks needed in real dental clinics, such as instrument transfer, operatory setup, infection control, and teamwork. Dr. Bharathi Charugundla, DMD, founder of the school, explained that employers seek graduates who can quickly contribute in the workplace while keeping patients safe and comfortable. By providing extra lab instruction, the school hopes students will gain confidence with everyday dental workflows before moving into externships or entry-level positions.
Dental assisting requires speed and accuracy, and small mistakes can cause delays or discomfort for patients. This new training is structured so students can build strong habits and muscle memory through frequent hands-on practice. It covers skills like chairside assistance, tray preparation, suction and retraction, as well as communication and clinical documentation routines. The school also adapts lab components depending on the specific course and local regulations.
The expanded lab sessions are meant to address a common gap found in many vocational programs: not enough time for real practice. By giving students more flexibility and practical opportunities, including those who balance jobs or family responsibilities, the school aims to help them graduate with skills that match the fast pace of modern dental offices. The training combines coursework with in-person labs to reinforce fundamental techniques.
This new approach is already being added to upcoming student cohorts. The school believes graduates will be ready for both clinical work and supporting patient needs as they begin their dental careers in Clark County and the Portland metro region.
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