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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)

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:

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. 

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