Explore Training Programs

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

Funding Available to Qualified Candidates

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates.

Attend an information session to learn more. During the one hour online presentation, you'll learn more about this face-to-face program, classes included with the training, hands-on components, application details, opportunities to earn certifications, employer partnerships and more.

Program Information

Application Deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025
Cohort 2: September 8 – December 18, 2025
Days/Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 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.