Next Cohort Coming Soon
About Our Program
CHAS Health is a non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that provides high-quality medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services to families and individuals of all ages, regardless of insurance status.
On The Job Training
The dental assistant apprenticeship program is a 1 year (2,000 hour) on-the-job training program facilitated by CHAS Health to train individuals to work as Registered Dental Assistants in the state of Washington and Idaho. Apprentices will be employed with CHAS Health full-time while simultaneously completing related coursework, which includes homework assignments and mandatory lab days. Following successful completion of the program, the dental assistant will be transitioned into a regular, full-time position.*
Throughout this program, the apprentice will be working hands-on in the dental clinic alongside a coach and team to practice clinical skills. The coach will support and guide the apprentice and ensure the mastery of each skill.
In addition to working clinically, there will be 8 lab days, where the instructor will follow an agenda for lectures, reviewing practical skills, help with technique, and answer questions. Homework and lab obligations are unpaid.
Registered Apprenticeship Program
The Dental Assistant Training Program is now recognized by the state of Washington as a registered apprenticeship. This provides students with the assurance that they will receive a quality education that has met the qualifications set by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for training and instruction. Our program is governed by an Apprenticeship Committee of 50% employer and 50% journey-level dental assistant representatives. The curriculum is approved by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Why CHAS Health?
- This is a unique and exciting opportunity to receive paid training geared toward success as a registered dental assistant
- Benefits of full-time employment include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), paid training and ongoing learning opportunities, uniform allowance, and more.
- Be a part of a well-respected organization providing patient-centered care in our community
- immersive learning environment
- Option to work toward DANB certification
- Have fun at work!
- Opportunities for advancement
Hear From Our Recent Grads!
Application Information
All applicants to the DA Apprenticeship must meet the following basic requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Ability to pass a Washington State Background check
- Online Application through Careers at CHAS.org
- Resume
- Personal Statement (350 words or less)
- Life Impact Statement (350 words or less)
- Short Answer Response (100 words or less for each question)
- Letter of Recommendations (1 Required)
Review and/or consideration of incomplete applications or late materials is at the discretion of Chas Health. If application materials are missing due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, CHAS Health will take that into consideration and make judgments based on the information available.
Resume
There is no preferred formatting or specific requirements that need to be met. However, your submission should include the following information, as applicable:
- Work History (including employer, position title, and dates of employment)
- Involvement with volunteer, community, and/or community-related activities including the organization, position title, and dates of service
- Education (including school, degree, dates of attendance)
- Honors, awards
- Skills or relevant qualities (languages spoken, computer programs, etc.)
Personal Statement (350 words or less)
The CHAS Health Apprentice program desires individuals who have a passion to help others and a vision to succeed in healthcare. This field requires flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance. In your personal statement, please explain why you think you would be successful in this program. Please include your personal goals and what obstacles may stand between you and successful completion of the program and how will you overcome these obstacles.
Life Impact Statement (350 words or less)
The Apprenticeship programs are a commitment that includes a 2000 hours on-the-job training program and potential employment upon successful completion. In this statement, please explain how this educational training will affect your work and personal life.
Short Answer Response (100 words or less)
The field of healthcare requires flexibility, dependability, and empathy. Give an example of a situation when you had to use these skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Once the cohort launch date is confirmed, it will be posted on CHAS.org.
- Applications will be accepted exclusively during the designated period leading up to each cohort and remain open for two weeks.
- Before applying, please review the “Application Materials Checklist” for all required documents and information.
- We are not able to maintain an interest list. Please refer to our website for current program information.
- Our clinics are located in the following areas:
- Moscow (Latah), Idaho
- Clarkston, WA
- Spokane, WA and surrounding Communities.
- Apprentices are required to have a valid driver's license since they are asked to float between sites as needed.
- The Apprentice’s training clinic may be different than their placement clinic at the end of the program.
- 4-8 apprentices per cohort
- The hiring process can take approximately 10-14 weeks and will include a background check.
- Applicants moving forward will be notified of the anticipated start date during the interview process.
- Applicants will be notified via email if their application is declined. These programs are highly competitive and applicants with continued interest are encouraged to apply again for future cohorts.
- Starting pay is $20.99
- Full-time employment with benefits
- Program coursework to be completed outside of work hours
- Apprentices initially are scheduled to work Monday - Friday between 7:30 am-6 pm, working either four 10-hour or five 8-hour shifts.
- Apprentices are required to attend 8 mandatory Saturday lab sessions.
- Schedules and location may change depending on staffing needs.
- Potential placement work schedules range from Sunday - Saturday and include three 12-hour, four 10-hour or five 8-hour shifts.
- Schedule halfway through the program includes working a Saturday or Sunday shift every 6-8 weeks.
Questions?
For any additional questions not covered above please fill out the contact form.
Thank you for your interest in the Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program. Please continue to check our website for updates.