Clinical dental assistants work directly with dentists in patient care. Michigan requires education and licensure for those performing expanded intraoral functions. Graduates qualify to sit for the Michigan State Board Examination for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure and the National Board Examination for Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and the State of Michigan. An externship in community dental offices is required. Students are routinely exposed to blood, body fluids, sharps, radiation, and other clinical hazards.
Prerequisites: Be admitted to MCC and declare intent to enter the Dental Assisting Program, Demonstrate College level reading comprehension on ACCUPLACER within the last 5 years, OR minimum score of 20 on ACT reading within the last 5 years, OR satisfactory grade in RDNG 030 or ENGL 100, Provide proof of high school graduation or GED, Submit a current CPR card (BLS Health Care Provider – American Heart Association, or Professional Rescuer – American Red Cross), Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in eligibility requirement courses, ENGL 101 or 103 (English Composition) with grade C or better, BIOL 151 and BIOL 152 (Human Anatomy and Physiology) for AAS Degree with grade C or better, COMM 131 (Fundamentals of Communication) with grade C or better, COMG 153, ENGL 102 or 104, PSYC 281 (General Psychology), MATH: Place into MATH-130 or complete MATH-118 or MATH-120, Submit a Supplemental Application after all eligibility requirements are completed