Dental Assistant Programs in Michigan
In many ways, dental offices are no different from doctors’ offices. While patients rely on doctors and dentists for the majority of their healthcare, assistants keep everything running smoothly and ensure that patients are seen in a timely manner.
With training from a dental assistant Michigan program, you could learn how to clean teeth, use dental tools appropriately, and manage the daily business of a busy dental office.
Find out if this field is a good fit for you by contacting Michigan dental assistant training programs below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Michigan
There are many diverse options you may find as you start to compare dental assisting programs. Some programs let you complete some of your coursework online, a popular option for working adults or those with young families. Others offer weekend and evening classes to accommodate common work schedules.
Course requirements differ slightly between schools, but the same topics and skills are typically covered throughout the state.
Dental Assisting Coursework Options
- Managing Safe Practice in Dentistry
- Biomedical Science for Dental Assistants
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Anatomy
- Clinical Dental Assisting
- Dental Materials
- Preventive Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Therapeutics
- Principles of Dental Specialties
You should get experience in these topics whether you earn a diploma, certificate, or Associate’s degree. Certificate and diploma programs usually include between one and two semesters of full-time work, leading to the completion of 30 or fewer credits.
On the other hand, an Associate’s degree includes some general education coursework, so it requires at least 60 credits. Compare all of these options to find the best fit for you.
Once you get accepted to a dental assistant school, Michigan employers and associations may have a range of scholarships for you to consider. The Michigan Dental Association awards nine scholarships to students in dental specialties each year.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Michigan
Once you have enough training, you can start working as a dental assistant. This role does not require any radiography or expanded functions, so it does not require a license. If you want to offer those services, you need to become a Registered Dental Assistant. The application process goes through the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
The dental industry is relatively stable in Michigan. By the year 2024, job openings for dental assistants may increase 4% (O*Net, 2016).
When it comes to the average dental assistant salary, Michigan reports an annual salary of $34,900 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Your income depends on many factors, including whether you live in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula, which type of clinic you work for, and how much experience you have in healthcare.
If you decide to become a Registered Dental Assistant, you can take on additional duties and increase your employability.
You may have the chance to start an exciting healthcare career in two years or less.