SMOKEY POINT INSTITUTE OF DENTAL ASSISTING
16825 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, WA 98223
360-653-5197
General Information
- A state-of-the-art licensed, private vocational institute
- Small class size (maximum 14) — low student-teacher ratio
- 14 Saturday classes
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 14 Thursday evening classes
- Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Class divided into two parts:
- Evening classes — lectures and exams
- Saturday classes — clinical training
- Instructors are experienced — working assistants and a practicing dentist
- Internship program at Dr. George R. Hussey’s office
- Internship program in specialty practices
- Learn all aspects of expanded duty dental assisting, including:
- 4-handed dental assisting
- Dental radiography
- Terminology and anatomy
- Sterilizing
- Impressions,pour-up,trim
- Temporary crown fabrication
- Receive a Certificate of Achievement
SPIDA, or Smokey Point Institute of Dental Assisting, is conveniently located in the Smokey Point area with easy access from I-5 and Highway 9. You can attend classroom lectures and accomplish hands-on training at a beautiful, working dental office. Our goal for students is that they will be so well trained clinically, that they will be able to go into any dental office and feel fully confident to sit down and assist the dentist with a good knowledge of all procedures that are performed in a general practice.
Our director is Dr. George R. Hussey, who has been serving Snohomish County as a general dentist since 1969. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and has been an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington Dental School for many years. Dr. George R. Hussey is the mentor for the instructors and students. He utilizes fully expanded-duty dental assistants in his practice and is dedicated to producing assistants that any dentist would love to hire as a new graduate.
Our team of instructors consists of experienced dental assistants currently working in Dr. George R. Hussey’s office. Helen Hussey has been with Dr. George R. Hussey for most of his practicing career. She is proficient in front desk activities, office management, and accounts payable. She has attended many post-graduate courses in practice management and has developed all systems for our practice.
Lindsey Norton has been working in Dr. George R. Hussey’s office for over 12 years, her experience coming from on-the-job training. She has attended many continuing education courses in dental assisting, Lumineers®, and Invisalign® training. She also shares a sincere desire for our students to receive an excellent education.
Leisha Nobach is actually a graduate of our institute. She has been working for Dr. George R. Hussey for over 5 years and has attended many post-graduate courses in clinical assisting. She is excited to help our students feel the confidence that she experienced upon entering her new career.
Carin Lawrence is a working dental assistant in Olympia and brings a different perspective to the training. She has been a dental assistant for 37 years, and has enjoyed teaching in our school the last year.
Amber is a registered dental hygienist. She brings 18 years of chairside experience and a smile each and every day she comes to our dental office. She earned an associate degree from Everett Community College before graduating from Bellingham Technical Institute with a degree in Dental Hygiene in 2010.
Dr. George R. Hussey earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington Dental School in 1969 and continued his education at the L.D. Pankey Institute of Advanced Dental Training. Dentistry is and always has been a big part of his life, which is why he enjoys continuing his education and keeping up on the latest and greatest advances in this wonderful profession.
Dr. Eric C. Larson received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Covenant College before attending the University Of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry to obtain his DMD degree in 2014. Upon graduating, he wanted to continue his education and began looking for opportunities back in his native state of Washington. He completed a yearlong residency in general dentistry at the University Of Washington Medical Center in 2015. During his residency, he gained additional training and education in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, implant placement and restoration, dental sedation, and other advanced general dental procedures, particularly in medically complex patients.
In our goal to deliver the highest standard of learning and keep our student-instructor ratio low, we are only able to accept a maximum of 10 students per class. We look forward to working with each student to share and create a great educational and training experience.
Placement Assistance Policy
Smokey Point Institute of Dental Assisting will have avenues to aid students in gaining employment, including:
- Posting all job opportunities that are brought to our attention
- Aiding in resume preparation
- Providing a letter of reference
We cannot guarantee job placement, but we will make every effort to help you in beginning your career.
Most dentists advertise on craigslist, so most students respond to those ads.
Attendance Policy
Due to the length and intensity of this course, a student will not receive their Certificate of Achievement if more than one class is missed. If a student has a medical emergency or personal crisis, the situation will be evaluated on an individual basis by the instructor and the directors of the Institute, Dr. George Hussey and Helen Hussey. The possibility of making up classes will be determined by said evaluation.
Textbook Information
Essentials of Dental Assisting Edition 3
Authors: Robinson, Ehrlich, Torres and Bird
The textbook is included in tuition cost.
Hepatitis Vaccination—Required Before 2nd Saturday
SNOHOMISH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT—425-339-5200
You may schedule an appointment Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or you may walk in on Monday or Wednesday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This is a series of three injections; the cost for each is $54.55. You may also arrange to have these given in your physician’s office.