If you are compassionate, a team player and eager to work directly with patients, consider a meaningful career as a registered dental assistant.
What does a registered dental assistant do?
Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) in Michigan are essential members of the dental care team. Under the supervision of a licensed dentist—and often working independently—RDAs perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties that directly impact a patient’s oral health and overall well-being.
“The most rewarding thing is just seeing my patients in general,” shares Kelsey Denome, student. “Just being able to be there and support them and show them that no matter what your background or your situation is, we’re here to help you.”
RDAs help with a variety of tasks from polishing teeth, applying fluoride and sealants to placing temporary crowns. Among many other duties, RDAs also take dental x-rays and impressions, remove stitches and provide patients with personalized oral health education.
Why choose a dental assisting program over on-the-job training?
In Michigan, only those who complete a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and pass the licensure exam can become Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs). While some dental offices offer on-the-job training to become a dental assistant, completing an accredited program opens the door to greater opportunities, including higher earning potential.
Employers are actively seeking RDAs due to their advanced training and ability to work independently. “There’s a huge demand for registered dental assistants,” says Pam Livingston, associate professor. “I get calls weekly from employers looking for assistants in our program.”
Dental Assisting program at Delta
Delta’s dental assisting program was established in 1969 and is CODA-accredited. Delta’s classes are led by instructors who have worked or currently work in the field, sharing invaluable experience-driven knowledge with their students.
“The faculty here set our institution apart,” says Erica Collins, instructor. “We bring a lot of energy, and we are always encouraging our students to learn and have that drive as we guide them to become professionals.”
The classes consist of classroom and lab learning followed by hands-on practice with real patients and real dentists in Delta’s on-site Dental Clinic. Cohorts are capped at 20 to ensure each student receives one-on-one attention from their instructors. The program proudly boasts a 100% licensure exam pass rate and a 100% employment rate upon program completion.
Learn more
Watch the dental assisting program video featuring current students and faculty at Delta or visit Delta’s webpage for more information.
