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About CADA

CADA gives you the opportunity to become a dental assistant without years of schooling, while providing all the skill sets and requirements you need.

  We do our best to keep our students and staff safe during the pandemic.


Meet the Faculty
About Us


Mission Statement

“The mission of the Central Academy of Dental Assisting is to provide an excellent environment for understanding the fundamental communication skills necessary to provide care to the dental patient and to develop fundamental clinical assisting, radiology, and laboratory skills. Students will learn to practice and implement OSHA/WISHA compliant infection control procedures. We will also prepare students the skills necessary to find employment in the dental industry”


With a commitment to oral health care at their core, CADA instructors strive to present education and an experience that will motivate students to be the next generation of dental leaders. We are dedicated to educating ourselves and others about the latest scientific advances and emerging practice trends to help build lasting, trusting relationships between the clinician and patient.

We want to challenge you and champion your professional growth by maximizing your educational experience. Contact us today and get started on a rewarding career here at Central Academy of Dental Assisting.

Our 4-week, interdisciplinary program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to become an integral part of any dental office. By minimizing the cost and time commitment, you can become a graduate and begin a position as a chairside assistant in a general dental or specialty office. We bring over 100 years of combined real-world experience to the classroom to give you the expertise you need to flourish.

Your knowledge will be forged through guided instruction in a hands-on environment where you can assist in treating actual patients in a thriving, multi-faceted, dental office. You will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, including expanded function assistants and administrative and support staff. The one-on-one setting provides focused learning and the best possible experience for each student.










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We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have.


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Central Academy of Dental Assisting is here to prepare you for working as a dental assistant in the real world with the most accurate and up-to-date technical and practical training.
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Dr. Steve Broughton

President

Dr. Steve Broughton Light Dental Studios had a humble beginning 1971 as the solo dental practice of Dr. James Zanner. Dr. Broughton took over in 1997 and remains as its CEO and Founder today. Dr. Broughton holds a Bachelor’s degree from Whitworth College. He then attended the University of Washington and would graduate from the School of Dentistry in 1997.

Dr. Broughton has received several awards including the coveted 1999 American Dental Association’s Golden Apple Award. At the time, there were only 7 other dentists in Washington State to receive the honor. He was honored as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the year in 1998 from the American College of Dentists. This invitation-only society invites less than 2.5% of all dentists in fellowship. He received the 1997 Johnny N. Johnson Award from the UW School of Dentistry, The 1997 Award of Excellence from the American Student Dental Association, and the 1997 Special Achievement award from the Washington State Dental Association.

Dr. Broughton has served on numerous councils and boards in dentistry including:

  • 1997,1998, 1999, chairperson of the Liaison Committee for the Washington State Dental Association
  • 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 Liaison Committee member for WSDA
  • 1998 Alternate Delegate for the American Dental Association House of Delegates
  • 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Delegate Washington State Dental Association House of Delegates
  • 2001 Legislative Committee. Pierce County Dental Society
  • 2001, 2002 Board of Directors. Pierce County Dental Society
  • 2002 Invited to sit on curriculum “think tank” University of Washington School of Dentistry
  • 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Executive board of Directors, secretary-treasurer, Vice-President, President, Past-President Pierce County Dental Society

Dr. Broughton been married since 1993 to his beautiful wife, Ann. They have two children, Katie and Claire. Outside of work, he enjoys…wait, what’s outside of work mean? Dr. Broughton loves his work and his family and has developed a life with little separation between the two. But, an unwavering LOVE for both.

Dr. Broughton is a member of
ADA
American Dental Association (past ADA alternate delegate)

WSDA
Washington State Dental Association (chairman WSDA Liaison Committee, past HOD delegate)

PCDS
Pierce County Dental Society (Past-President)

American College of Dentists
American College of Dentists (Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year 1998 – Washington State)



Dr. Broughton believes in a patient-centered approach. The patients comfort and well-being is the driver of every treatment modality.

Dr. Broughton been married since 1993 to his beautiful wife, Ann. They have two children, Katie and Claire. Outside of work, he enjoys…wait, what’s outside of work mean? Dr. Broughton loves his work and his family and has developed a life with little separation between the two. But, an unwavering LOVE for both.






Dr. Angie Dunn

Co-President & Instructor

Dr. Angie Dunn Dr. Dunn graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She graduated with the #1 rank in her class and is an exceptional, bright, and talented dentist. She received the Psi Omega Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon scholarship for outstanding scholastic achievement, the Kirby and Erna Speyer Memorial Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon William S. Kramer National Award, the Maurice Hickey Scholarship, the F. Burns Guthrie Award from the American College of Dentists, the Alpha Omega Scholarship, the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, the John C. Kois Prize in Restorative Clinical Excellence, and the Academy of General Dentistry Award.

Dr. Dunn did her undergraduate training at the University of Washington as well, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry in only 3 years with a 3.91 GPA and the honor of Summa Cum Laude.

Dr. Dunn grew up in Auburn, graduating from Auburn Riverside High School with 4.0 GPA and Phi Beta Kappa - were you expecting anything less? Dr. Dunn enjoys giving back in numerous ways. During school, she spent numerous evenings at the 45th Street clinic for homeless youth in Seattle. She has also participated with the Medical Teams International program to provide emergency dental care to the local homeless. She was asked to teach with the Restorative Department at the UW School of Dentistry. In addition to this, Dr. Dunn serves on the Design Committee for the South Sound Free Dental Day that provides hundreds of members in the local community free dentistry each year.

Angie and her high school sweetheart, Joe, have two children Roman and Cora. Dr. Dunn joined the Light Dental Studios office in Puyallup in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer. She loves working with patients, as is evident from her friendly demeanor and relaxing humming while she works.  

Dr. Dunn is a member of
ADA
American Dental Association

WSDA
Washington State Dental Association

PCDS
Pierce County Dental Society

OKU
OKU National Dental Honor Society








Dr. Tami Trieu

Dr. Tami Trieu

Curriculum Director & Instructor

Dr. Tami Trieu graduated from the University Of Washington School Of Dentistry as one of the class’ finest graduating dentists. Dr. Trieu was named Top 5 Operators in Fixed Prosthodontics, received the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award, received honors in Orthodontics and an honorable mention in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Trieu was also invited to become a teaching assistant in Removable Prosthodontics.

Dr. Trieu is married to her husband Joe. In her free time, she loves playing and chasing her 5 beautiful children Nathaniel, Cecilia, Isabella, Annabelle, and Alena.

Dr. Trieu is currently an active member of
ADA
American Dental Association

WSDA
Washington State Dental Association

WAGD
Washington Academy of General Dentistry Mastertrack Study Club

WAGD
Washington Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship Study Club








Katie Hogan

Katie Hogan, RDA

Administrator

Katie has been a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) since 2010 and wears many hats. In addition to her strong role in a dental office, she has an infectious smile and personality that gives patients a warm, welcoming feel. Katie strives to serve patients with the care and professionalism they deserve. She is a successful leader because she has the desire to encourage and develop those around her, passing on her love of her career to to the office and to all she encounters. Katie will ensure that every student leaves the program equipped to become successful. You will not find a more welcoming person and she is sure to put your troubles at ease.






Ashley Rose

Ashley Rose, RDA

Administrator

Ashley has been a dental assistant since 2010 and has developed a skillset that is critical to a dental career. Wthin those years, she has spent valuable time developing her gifts as she's stepped foot in different kinds of offices. Her exposure has allowed her to see what sets an effective employee and office apart. Her expertise in the dental field has allowed her to form lasting impressions on patients and team members. Ashley strives to make sure that all doctors, dental assistants, hygenists, and front office members work together to give patients a treatment plan that is best suited for their needs, with ease and care at their core.

In Ashley's spare time she enjoys snowboarding, any outdoor activity, and spending time with family and friends!






Victoria

Victoria Campos

Class Proctor

Victoria has developed a career in that dental field that has helped bring her degree in communication skills to life. She works to provide exceptional service to the dental office as her team members and herself help generate smiles. Victoria has fond memories of going to the dentist and orthodontist growing up, so she is happy to create that welcoming environment for the patients at the front desk as she knows how much of an impact the experience can be. Having worked in customer service for over 10 years, she values the relationships she builds with both patients and the staff. She is committed to helping students grow academically and professionaly.

When Victoria isn't working, you can find her at the gym or on a mountain top. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, as well as checking out the latest new restaurants with her loved ones.