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Certificate & Degree Options

Lake Michigan College offers certificate and associate's degree programs for Dental Assisting students. The certificate program offers the same core dental assisting courses that the associate degree program offers. The associate's degree includes the general education requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree.

Certificate Program
The Dental Assisting certificate program is the occupational core of the associate's degree program. The program is designed as a one-year concentration of training. Graduates of the 44.5 credit program receive a Certificate in Applied Science. All dental assisting-specific courses are the same as the associate degree program. Upon graduation, you qualify to take the National Board Examination (CDA) and the State Board Examination in Michigan (RDA).

Associate's Degree Program
If you wish to go beyond the certificate program, you can complete the 67.5 credit Dental Assisting associate degree program and earn your Associate of Applied Science degree. The associate's degree program gives you a well-rounded college education with coursework in areas such as English, social sciences, communication, psychology, and biology. Upon graduation, you qualify to take the National Board Examination (CDA) and the State Board Examination in Michigan (RDA).

Transfer Options
If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, you should follow the associate's degree program and work closely with your advisor to make sure the courses you are taking will transfer to the school of your choice.
Students who transfer to bachelor's degree schools usually enter teaching or health administration. Some dental assisting graduates may also choose to earn dental hygiene or dental degrees.