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: May 8, 2026
- Cohort 4: June 1 - September 2, 2026
- Days/Times: Monday and Wednesday, 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 check 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!. Please see training payment options for more details.
Start your Someday!
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.
Register for An Information SessionWhat 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
- Course details: For specific details about courses and descriptions included in the training, please review the program description.
- 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
Ready to take the next step? Start the application process! Other application requirements may apply and this is not a conclusive list.
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
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.
- Immunizations: 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 3 Hepatitis B, Tdap, seasonal Influenza, and up-to-date COVID-19
- Negative Tuberculosis clearance (TB Test)
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.
- Complete the application process - apply for Michigan Works funding or pay out of pocket.
- Submit all completed documentation (background check, drug screen, TB test results, immunization records) in one email to healthcaretraining@oaklandcc.edu.
Training Payment Options
We understand that our short-term training programs are an investment. Our goal is to help retrain you so you can quickly gain employment and earn a good income in the field.
The good news is that there are options to pay for your training. Any combination of these methods can be used as a source of payment. If you have additional questions, please contact the program coordinator.
The training can be paid out-of-pocket. Accepted forms of payment include Apple or Google Pay, credit card, debit card, cashier's check or money order.
A short-term training program payment authorization form and registration form will need to be completed prior to the start of the program. The amount generally needs to be paid in full prior to the training start date. The forms and payment should be completed by the application deadline. The cost of the program is non-refundable. Connect with the program coordinator to initiate the process.
If you're interested in a payment plan, details can be discussed with the program coordinator. Please note that these training programs are 14-weeks or less. Given the nature of this being short-term, the amount needs to be paid in full before the training program ends.
Employers want to see their employees succeed and continue to grow! Many companies are willing to help pay for current employees to go through training.
Many small, mid-sized, and large businesses offer some form of tuition assistance or reimbursement. Check with your employer for details.
We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Individuals meet with a career advisor to walk you through the process.
Funding is usually open to individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizens or those authorized to work in the United States
- Ages 18+
- Registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)
- Other requirements may apply (i.e., residency and employment status)
Specific funding levels vary by individual. Your Michigan Works! advisor will help determine your exact funding level that you'll qualify for.
Career Pathway
Your personal career pathway will depend on training, education, and on-the-job experience.
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.