PDS dental assistant pay

So i’m currently an extern at a PDS (pacific dental services) office in California and i have a week left of extern.. and it’s getting to that time where they might want to hire me since im almost done with my hours. they just hired an extern when i had started.. let’s just say it’s a busier office thats understaffed and has had people come and go because of how busy it is. i had over heard that they require RDA after 3 months working there and there’s an instant raise when you get your license.. however i went on the website and saw the starting pay is $17.75 and it goes up to like $24… i know it’s a conversation to have with them if i do get hired but am i crazy or is $17.75 just a slap in the face for the time and money i put into school to even get there..? even if i was to get my RDA how long would i have to be there to get 24? I need advice on how to escalate this situation and also if the pay seems “right” because im still “learning”…