This 100-Hour Short-Term Training prepares participants for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing health care positions – Dental Assisting. With an evening schedule and hands-on training in a dental care facility, Mid can help you start a fulfilling career FAST.
Tuition includes
All classroom training hours will take place in Gladwin.
The clinical externship hours will take place at a local dentistry office.
Did you graduate high school in 2023 or after and are interested in a fast track to a great career? You may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 for select trainings at Mid with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship!
Eligible trainings include Phlebotomy, CNA, Dental Assistant, and Community Health Worker.
The purpose of this training is to familiarize participants with all areas of pre-clinical dental assisting and the professional skills required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.
Training Topics
Students who complete this comprehensive training and 3,500 hours of work experience are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant.
Currently the program fee is $2,300 and includes your textbook, lab supplies, and Michigan Dental Association radiography certifications.
Federal Financial Aid is not available for this training. However, funding is available for qualified individuals through MI Works! or MI Rehab Services to offset some or all training costs. Contact your area agency to find out if you qualify.
Earnings
Employment Outlook 2021-2031
Information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Dental Assistant & Hygienist Careers
The differences between dental assistant and dental hygienist positions center on the tasks they're expected to perform and their level of interaction with patients.
Perhaps the biggest difference between these dental support positions is that a dental assistant provides direct aid to dentists, conducting office tasks, and small, supervised jobs on patients' teeth, while a hygienist often works one-on-one with a patient, and doesn't have as much direct supervision.
Dental hygienists must also hold at least an associate degree and a state license in the field, while dental assistants may or may not need formal education, depending on the state in which they work.
Dental Assistants: Overview
Dental assistants perform both preparatory and break-down duties in the office. Depending on the state of employment, dental assistants may be allowed to do some additional advanced duties, including applying topical anesthetic, sealant applications, coronal polishing, and fluoride applications. Some of their typical duties include the following:
Some states require that dental assistants be licensed, but these requirements vary. Some states have regulations that require aspiring dental assistants to complete one-year certificate or diploma programs.
Dental Hygienists: Overview
A dental hygienist performs more advanced tasks that involve direct patient care. State law determines what tasks hygienists may perform, but typical duties may include:
Education requirements for these professionals include earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, and most programs take about three years to complete. License requirements differ from one state to the next, but typically individuals must pass an accredited training program as well as clinical and written examinations.
Dental assistants tend to perform more administrative duties to assist dentists, while dental hygienists work directly with patients to help clean their teeth prior to dental exams. Both careers are expected to have positive job growth.
Sourced from bestaccreditedcolleges.org
"This training was the best thing. I had been out of school for years before actually taking up something I was passionate about. Lori is very knowledgeable and is an amazing instructor! She made success come easy with hands-on training and instilled knowledge in us individually. I’ve never felt more confident in a decision than I do about training at Mid!" ~ Kendra
"The training really prepares you with lots of hands-on work, working with dental set ups, taking impressions, and taking x-rays. This training being located at a dental office was a big help, you are actually able to use the proper equipment and see first hand how things are done. I would highly recommend this training for anyone interested in the dental field, it is a good place to start." ~ Marissa
"Going into the training I wasn’t sure what to expect but have found a new love and passion for dental that I didn’t know I had. I wasn’t quite sure how I would like it, I just always thought it would be a good job. But really, I’m helping others get a smile that they deserve and will love! This training has taught me so much from the instruments we use, to x-rays, patient care, front desk, lab, and much more. I have been given the opportunity to work hands-on in a clinical setting and to me that is huge! I am a visual and hands-on learner, so being able to do what the assistants are actually doing is great. Our instructor Lori has been amazing, she always clarifies what we don’t understand and answers any questions we may have. This training has been so much fun, I actually look forward to attending each session. It’s never the same, so it never gets boring!" ~ Caitlynn