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Dental Careers 
Want to know what it takes to become a dentist? Curious about what other careers are available to you in the field of dentistry? This section can help you answer some of your questions. Dentists, hygienists, assistants and dental lab technicians are all careers in the fascinating profession of dentistry!
MDA Position Statement on Dental Assisting Educational Programs 

The Michigan Dental Association affirms the need for educated dental assistants and supports those programs accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation that result in graduates attaining eligibility for state licensure as Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) by the Board of Dentistry of the Michigan Department of Community Health. A list of accredited dental assisting programs in Michigan can be obtained on this Web site. For those who require remote learning, an ADA-accredited training program is offered by Washtenaw Community College.

Students considering careers in dental assisting should be aware that only programs accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation can result in licensure that allows them to perform expanded duties. Dental Assistants are not required to be licensed in Michigan. On-the-job-training (OJT) provided by the employer may qualify a person for this occupation. However, those allowed to perform expanded functions and to use the title "Registered Dental Assistant" must be licensed by the Board of Dentistry of the Michigan Department of Community Health. Expanded functions are listed on the MDA’s dental professionals Web site. Only RDA licensed individuals or those who have completed approved radiography training may take radiographs.

Dental Assistants may also obtain recognition as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by passing the Dental Assisting National Board. This credential, however, is not recognized in any way by the Michigan State Board of Dentistry and thus no additional procedures can be performed by a CDA beyond those allowed for an OJT assistant.

Although the CDA is not recognized by the State Board of Dentistry, its value is that is shows a tested level of competency. Additionally, assistants with a CDA may be eligible for advanced placement in an ADA-accredited program where they can earn an RDA.

On-the-job-trained assistants and graduates of proprietary programs are eligible to take the CDA exam only after they have worked at least 3,500 hours as a dental assistant over 24 consecutive months (full-time) or between 24 and 48 consecutive months (part-time).

 
YOUR PATH TO AN RDA!

No matter where you live in Michigan, you can become a registered dental assistant without spending a lot of time in the classroom.

The Alternative Dental Assisting Education Program from Washtenaw Community College allows you to complete most of you training online, making it easy to earn the RDA credential  while working full-time. In fact, depending on your expertise, you could graduate from the program with only one day of traditional classroom training.

For information about this easy and convenient program, please contact Program Director Kathy Weber, CDA, RDA, BAS, at (734) 973-3338 or follow the link below for more information.

 

NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS:
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Dental assisting schools that are not accredited with the American Dental Association are considered "proprietary schools." Graduates from these schools are not eligible to take the Registered Dental Assistant examination with the state of Michigan and are not able to perform expanded functions. These graduates can only perform the functions of an on-the-job trained dental assistant. Anyone with a complaint against one of these proprietary schools can do so using the online complaint form available on the state of Michigan Web site.

Complaints are evaluated for compliance with State Proprietary School Licensing Laws, and promulgated rules. PA 148 applies to in-state schools, PA 40 applies to out-of-state schools and PA 227 applies to home solicitation. Click here to read these laws. Schools found in violation are subject to disciplinary action that may include corrective action, license suspension and or license revocation.