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:  January 9, 2026
• Cohort 2:  January 20 - April 30, 2026
• Days/Times:  Tuesday and Thursday, 5-9 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, and safety glasses) + additional drug screening/immunization/background cost expenses
• Funding:  We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Potential funding options are available with Michigan Works! and the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. 

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. 
• Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
• Immunizations:  2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
• Drug screen - A rapid urine 5-panel drug screen with negative results are required. This test screens for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. An at-home test is not sufficient.
  Note:   Once the background check and immunizations are completed, OCC will authorize you for your drug screening. This must be completed at a Concentra location and costs $65. 
• Attend an information session
• Submit all completed documentation (background check, 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:  OCC certificate or associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree
• Sample occupation:  Dental Hygienist

Professional

• Education:  Doctorate in Dentistry
• Sample occupation:  Dentist

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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.