After completing these programs, you will be able to take the State of Michigan licensure exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant. The Delta College Dental Assisting program prepares you for entry-level positions.
You will be prepared to assist the dentist in diagnostic, operative, restorative, preventive and surgical procedures, as well as perform independent duties once you pass the registered dental assistant exam.
Registered Dental Assistants in Michigan often place and carve amalgam restorations; do selective coronal polishing; place sealants, fluoride, periodontal dressings, temporary crowns, dental dams, cavity liners and bases, orthodontic elastics and ligatures and arch wires; take impressions and radiographs; remove sutures; provide patient education; and perform business office, laboratory and infection control duties.
Opportunities are available for part-time and full-time employment in private dental offices and clinics, as well as in military, sales, research and teaching settings.
Program details
Our degrees prepare you for a career in dental assisting. The advanced certificate
allows you to get your license and enter the workforce. The associate degree may offer
more employment mobility and increased advancement opportunities. The dual degree
may offer even more opportunities in office management.
Degree info
Dental Assisting
- Time & credits
- 5 semesters
71 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $15,133 (in-district)
$23,689 (out-of-district)
$24,701 (out-of-state)
Dental Assisting
- Time & credits
- 4 semesters
60 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $13,161 (in-district)
$20,601 (out-of-district)
$21,481 (out-of-state)
Dental Assisting - Dual with General Management
- Time & credits
- 6 semesters
94 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $18,715 (in-district)
$29,317 (out-of-district)
$30,571 (out-of-state)
There's more
Delta's dental assisting program has been in place since 1969! And, the program routinely sees 100% licensure pass rates and 100% employment rates.
The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653
www.ada.org/coda
Students are eligible to receive the CDA national credential but is not recognized by all states and the RDA license which each state has their own requirements. There is no guarantee of licensing in another state. You may apply and that state's licensing board will look at your credentials/education and decide requirements for gaining the license. Please contact the program coordinator for further information.
Upon completing this program, students are eligible to take the certification exam of the Dental Assisting National Board to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and the Michigan Department of Community Health exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
The Delta College Dental Assisting program goals are:
-
Prepare the students to successfully complete the State of Michigan Licensure Exam for a Registered Dental Assistant.
- Prepare the student to successfully complete the National Dental Assisting Certification.
- To prepare the student for entry level proficiency for employment.
- Allow the student the opportunity to develop the general education abilities as stated in the general education requirements of Delta College.
The Delta College Exposure Control Manual (PDF) should be reviewed prior to registering for classes.
Transfer
One of the best things about Delta College is the opportunity to start here and go anywhere. And, in the process, save thousands of dollars. It's a smart choice to get your associate's and then transfer on.
Delta works with many colleges and universities to provide associate-to-bachelor’s degree transfer pathways. Check out what's available in this career field.
Job outlook
Interested in a career in dental assisting? Learn more about our region’s employment
outlook and career opportunities you can pursue in this field of study by reviewing
the sampling below. Visit Career Coach to search all careers.
Delta's Dental Clinic
Delta's Dental Clinic gives community members in need a valuable resource and gives students, just like you, invaluable real-world experience. Last year, students spent a combined 750 hours providing community members with dental healthcare services.
Learn about the Dental Clinic
Get started at Delta
Contact us
Program Coordinator
Pam Livingston
Health and Wellness Division
F213
pamelalivingston@delta.edu
989-686-9483
