Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are vital members of the dental care team, ensuring that every dental visit is efficient, safe, and comfortable for patients. As a dental assistant, you’ll work closely with dentists and hygienists, performing a mix of clinical, administrative, and patient care duties.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing exam rooms and sterilizing dental instruments.
- Assisting dentists during procedures by handing tools, managing suction, and ensuring patient comfort.
- Taking and processing X-rays and impressions of teeth.
- Educating patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care.
- Handling patient records, scheduling appointments, and managing front-office tasks.
Dental assistants are at the heart of patient care, making a meaningful impact by creating a welcoming environment and ensuring the smooth operation of dental practices. Our training program equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this rewarding, fast-paced career!
- Average entry-level wage range: $20 - 25 per hour
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Orientation: Tuesday, May 27, 4-8 p.m.
- Cohort 1: May 30 – August 29, 2025
- Days/Times: Monday and Friday, 4-8 p.m.
- Program Length: 14 weeks
- Location: Highland Lakes campus, OCC's dental clinic and externship site
- Cost: $4,000 (includes tuition, books, materials, scrubs, safety glasses, and lab coat)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Orientation: Tuesday, May 27, 4-8 p.m.
- Cohort 1: May 30 – August 29, 2025
- Days/Times: Monday and Friday, 4-8 p.m.
- Program Length: 14 weeks
- Location: Highland Lakes campus, OCC's dental clinic and externship site
- Cost: $4,000 (includes tuition, books, materials, scrubs, safety glasses, and lab coat)
What to Expect
- Focus: Fundamentals of Dental Assisting, Dental Materials, Dental Terminology and Anatomy, Dental Radiography, Restorative Dentistry, Infection Control, Basic Life Support, Dental Specialties, Dental Administration, Professional Skills, plus a 40-hour externship
- Certifications: Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Radiography, Basic Life Support (BLS), Registered Dental Assistant exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) after 3,500 hours of working experience signed off by a dentist
- Employer Partners: Coming soon
Application Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Background check - Individuals must successfully pass a background check.
Note: Individuals may not have a misdemeanor within 5 years or a felony conviction within 10 years of the end date of the training program. - Drug screen - A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required.
Note: This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient. - Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
- Immunizations: 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
- Attend an information session
- Submit all completed documentation (background check, drug screen, TB test results, immunization records) in one email to healthcaretraining@oaklandcc.edu
Career Pathway
Entry level
- Education: OCC short-term training certificate
- Sample occupation: Dental Assistant
Mid level
Education:
- Education: OCC certificate or associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree
- Sample occupation: Dental Hygienist
Management
- Education: Doctorate in Dentistry
- Sample occupation: Dentist
Start Your Someday Today!
If you're interested in a short-term training program, please complete the form below. An OCC representative will be in contact with you soon.
Questions? Contact
Le'Anna Sosnoski-Miller
Education Training Specialist
(248) 232-4174