Classes for the 12-week dental training program at Aspire Dental Assistant Academy are enrolling now in WA and PA. Do you have questions about tuition assistance for our dental assistant academy in Philadelphia, Seattle, or Tacoma?

Our Story

About Aspire Dental Assistant Academy

Aspire Dental Assistant Academy was founded in 2024 with one goal: to make a career in dental assisting accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone. We believe that with the right training and support, anyone can launch a rewarding career in the dental field — in just 12 weeks.

Our Mission

We are committed to providing high-quality, hands-on dental assistant training that prepares students for real-world clinical environments. Our programs blend flexible online coursework with in-person clinical practice, so you can learn on your schedule without sacrificing the skills you need to succeed.

1

Accessibility

We design our programs around real people with real lives — evening and weekend schedules, flexible pacing, and tuition assistance options.

2

Hands-On Learning

Textbooks only go so far. Our students practice on real clinical equipment under the guidance of instructors who work in the field every day.

3

Community

From job fairs to outreach events, we stay connected with the dental community to open doors for our graduates.

4

Results

Our 12-week program is built to get you job-ready fast, with the skills and confidence employers are looking for.

Meet the Team

Our instructors and staff bring years of real-world dental experience to the classroom. They're not just teachers — they're practitioners who care deeply about your success.

Alicia Melendez

Alicia Melendez RDA, CDA, AAS, BS

Founder & School Director

With over 36 years of experience in the dental profession, Alicia is passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation of dental professionals. As a nationally certified dental assistant, she has dedicated more than three decades to teaching, developing, and leading dental assistant education programs across the country. Throughout her career, Alicia has served as an Instructor, Program Director, and National Academic Dean for career colleges, where she has developed innovative curricula, led faculty teams, and helped thousands of students launch successful careers in dentistry. She is widely recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, educational leadership, and guiding schools through state approval and regulatory compliance. Alicia has also served as a subject matter expert and content reviewer for Modern Dental Assisting, the industry's leading dental assisting textbook published by Elsevier. Her commitment to excellence in dental education and patient care is the foundation of Aspire Dental Assistant Academy, where she is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on skills they need to succeed in today's dental profession.

Julieth "Julie" Lewis

Julieth "Julie" Lewis RDH, BS

Regional Support

Julie brings more than 30 years of experience in dentistry as a Registered Dental Hygienist, clinical researcher, mentor, and educational leader. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about advancing dental education, supporting clinical excellence, and helping students and professionals build confidence in their skills. As Aspire Dental Assistant Academy's Regional Support Director for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Julie works closely with instructors, students, and partner practices to ensure every learner receives an exceptional educational experience. Her dedication to mentorship and hands-on training has made her a trusted leader and valued resource within the dental community. Outside of dentistry, Julie enjoys spending time with her beautiful grandson, tending to her garden and houseplants, and embracing the simple joys of nature. She believes that nurturing growth — whether in people or plants — is one of life's greatest rewards.

Victoria Melendez

Victoria Melendez

Community Relations & Outreach Coordinator — Washington

Victoria is Aspire Dental Assistant Academy's Community Relations & Outreach Coordinator for our Washington locations. With experience as a dental assistant, dental office executive, and billing specialist, Victoria brings a broad understanding of the dental profession and is passionate about introducing others to the many career opportunities available in dentistry. Victoria works closely with high schools, workforce development organizations, community agencies, and local businesses to build partnerships that connect individuals with careers in dental assisting. She coordinates Aspire's participation in career fairs, career exploration events, classroom presentations, and other community outreach initiatives throughout Washington. If your school, organization, or community group would like Aspire Dental Assistant Academy to attend a career fair, participate in a career day, host a guest speaker, or provide information about careers in dentistry, Victoria would love to connect with you.

[email protected]

Meet our Instructors

Jamie

Jamie

Lakewood, WA

Jamie brings more than 14 years of experience to Aspire Dental Assistant Academy, with a background as both a dental assistant and office manager. Passionate about education and mentorship, she is dedicated to helping students build confidence, develop clinical skills, and succeed as they begin their careers in dentistry. Jamie enjoys creating a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged every step of the way.

Amber

Amber

Burien, WA

Amber has over 25 years of experience in the dental field, with a diverse background as a dental assistant, patient care coordinator, and financial coordinator. She currently practices full-time in a thriving periodontal specialty office. Passionate about dentistry, Amber loves staying current with new technology and witnessing the incredible advancements the profession has made over the years.

Roxanne

Roxanne

Havertown, PA

Roxanne has been working in the dental field for 10+ years, and teaching for the last 3. While she loves working chair-side as an EFDA and all of her patients, her passion is teaching new aspiring assistants and helping them achieve the skill set they need for their future career.

Destiny

Destiny

Havertown, PA

Destiny has over six years of experience in pediatric dentistry, with a background in chairside assisting, digital radiography, sterilization, patient care, and front office operations. Her well-rounded experience allows her to bring practical knowledge and real-world insight to the classroom.

Jessica

Jessica

Havertown, PA

Jessica has been working as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) since 2009 and is currently furthering her education by pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, building lasting relationships, and providing exceptional dental care.

Where We Operate

Aspire Dental Assistant Academy currently offers programs on both coasts, with classes in the Philadelphia area (PA) and the Seattle / Tacoma area (WA). We're growing — stay tuned for new locations.

Philadelphia, PA

Serving the greater Philadelphia area with flexible evening and weekend class schedules.

Seattle & Tacoma, WA

Serving the Puget Sound region with hands-on clinical training close to home.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Enrollment is open now. Find the program nearest you and take the first step toward your new career.