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. See program brochure.

Most courses are available to begin any week. The program may be taken full-time or part-time. Day and evening instructors are available for questions, demonstrations, performance, and written evaluations.

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.

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

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.

Degree Requirements

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 Vallley 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.

Career Opportunities
As a registered dental assistant, you will work as part of a dental health team with dentists and other professionals to assist in diagnostic, operative, surgical, and preventative procedures.

Your responsibilities will include providing instrument transfer during dental treatment, taking radiographs (x-rays), and preparing dental materials, casts, and impression trays.

You also will advise patients in dental health care, maintain patient records, and sterilize dental instruments. As a registered dental assistant, you are permitted by law to do intraoral procedures beyond those performed by non-registered personnel.

Completion of the Lake Michigan College program can lead you to a career as a :

• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant
• Chairside Assistant
• Dental Office Manager or Business Assistant
• Orthodontic Assistant
• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Employment Outlook
Population growth and greater retention of teeth by middle-aged and other people will increase demand for dental services. Career positions are available locally and nationally in private dental practices and dental clinics, at public health agencies, and in hospitals. Employment in the field is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2010. Most LMC Dental Assisting students are employed even before they graduate.

Earnings
The median annual income of dental assistants was $29,000 in 2001.