About the Program
The Dental Assisting program offers flexible open-entry, self-paced coursework. Clinical experience is available year-round. Advanced standing options are available.

While the program remains a fully accredited, college-level group of courses, high school students may explore dental assisting as a career by completing the beginning courses while still in high school. High school students can take the courses through the dual enrollment option and articulated credit is available.

Program Accreditation
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is also accredited by the Michigan State Board of Dentistry.

Associate's Degree
As a graduate of the Certificate program, you can continue your education to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. When you complete the 67.5 credit program and earn your associate's degree, you can transfer to a four-year school to qualify for further opportunities in the dental field.

Degree Requirements

Challenge Examinations
The following pathways allow individuals to obtain a Certificate of Completion in Dental Assisting from LMC:

Pathway I is the traditional entry for any student.

Pathway II is available to dental assisting completers from high school career centers or other educational facilities that have articulation agreements with the LMC Dental Assisting program.

Pathway III grants up to 27 prior experiential learning credits to current Certified Dental Assistants (CDA).

Pathway IV is available for non-credentialed working dental assistants. This pathway allows students to challenge each course, up to 27 credits, by successfully completing the final exam.

Certification Examination
Upon graduation, you qualify to take the National Board Examination (CDA) and the State Board Examination in Michigan (RDA).

Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to several general scholarships that are based on academic excellence, need, and other criteria, the following scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program:

• Lakeland Valley Dental Assisting Society Scholarship
• Lakeland Valley Dental Society Scholarship
• Lakeshore Rotary Joe Carver Memorial Scholarship

To see if you qualify for one of these scholarship, please visit the Financial Aid section of our website.