Program Overview
Upon completing this program, 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. Your associate degree may offer more employment opportunities and increased advancement mobility.
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.
Earning Potential
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.
Assist dentists by setting up equipment, preparing patients for treatment and keeping records.
median annual salary
annual job openings
are currently employed within the State of Michigan Prosperity Regions 5 and 6.
This number is expected to over the next four years.
of current workers will reach retirement age within the next ten years.
Visit Career Coach for more details.
About Delta's Program
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Amazing facultyAt Delta, you get small classes, professors who see your potential and resources to help you succeed.
As a graduate of this program, 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 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.
Professional licensure
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 Coordinator for further information.
The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653
www.ada.org/coda
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).
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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.
Why you should choose Delta
Life is busy. But that shouldn't get in the way of your education. Dental Assisting offers a one-year full-time program or a two-year part-time program to make it easier to reach your goals.
At our dental clinic, you can get hands-on experience working with dentists and patients that are referred from the Helen M. Nickless Medical Clinic.
Delta's Dental Assisting program has been in place since 1969! And, hundreds of working dental assisting professionals graduated from our program.
The transferability of courses between colleges/universities depends on the college/university into which you transfer. Visit Transfer Programs and Procedures to see the full procedure.
Facts & Figures
100% of recent grads passed the State of Michigan RDA Exam.
Of those seeking employment in the profession, 100% are employed.
Related Programs
Delta College offers over 140 degree, certificate and training options. Continue exploring and advancing your education with these related programs: