Dental Assistant Schools in Michigan

Individuals in Michigan who are blessed with soft skills such as agility, time management, organization, and communication may become dental assistants. This career offers many benefits, including a competitive salary and platforms for significant career growth.

Along with their soft skills, prospective dental assistants in the state must also cultivate technical skills, which they usually attain by completing a training program. The guide on this page explores how to acquire these skills and more.

We outline the possible certification and licensing options, top programs for robust training, and projected annual average returns for dental assistants in Michigan, among other key issues.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Michigan

The following steps are required to become a dental assistant in Michigan.

Preparatory Stages

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED to prepare for dental assistant training in Michigan. This will be expected when they enter a training program.

Entering into a Training Program

There are several accredited training programs for aspiring dental assistants in Michigan. Here, candidates will receive training in several dental assisting areas to pass upcoming professional examinations and perform their duties at the highest level.

Aspiring dental assistants in Michigan should be prepared to spend up to two years training. This will ensure they graduate with an associate degree, which is important when seeking employment.

Those seeking a fast-tracked option may enroll in a certificate program that can be completed in around one year.

Hands-On Training

Some training programs in Michigan allow candidates to apply what they have been taught in a real-world setting. They do this by offering externships in clinical environments.

Statistically, candidates who complete an externship before securing employment will be more successful as they already know what to expect.

Employment & Career Opportunities

Although dental assistants may secure employment after completing a training program, several ways exist to facilitate credibility and career growth. These include joining professional organizations like the Michigan Dental Assistants Association and earning nationally recognized credentials.

Dental assistants in Michigan are also expected to take a professional examination before they begin their careers. We dive deeper into these topics below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in Michigan

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Before starting their careers, aspiring dental assistants in Michigan must complete the Michigan State Board examination for dental assistance. This exam requires candidates to spend 2 hours in the clinical test section and 2 hours in the written section.

They must attain a score of at least 75% to pass.

Those who have completed their examinations may practice as Registered Dental Assistants in Michigan. To become Certified Dental Assistants, they must take the national examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

The Board also offers specialty credentials, such as the Certified Orthodontic Assistant credential and the Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant credential.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Michigan

Below are the best training programs for aspiring dental assistants in Michigan.

Explore dental assistant schools in Michigan by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Detroit

Salary & Career Outlook

In Michigan, dental assistants may fall among the lowest-paid in the state, the average earners, or the highest-paid. Those who fall among the lowest-paid take home an annual average salary of $48,666, while those who fall among the average earners take home an annual average salary of $66,842.

Dental assistants in Michigan who are among the highest-paid manage an annual average salary of around $91,806.

As one would expect, experience and location are critical in influencing the exact amount a dental assistant earns in the state. The exact company of employment, along with professional qualifications, are also notable factors.

As for locations where dental assistants earn the highest in Michigan, we have Novi, with an annual average salary of $71,742, and Battle Creek, with an annual average salary of $70,073, as the top two. Westland, with an annual average salary of $69,330, completes the top three, while Royal Oak and Roseville, with annual average salaries of $67,517 and $66,950, respectively, complete the top five.