How to become a Dental Assistant in Michigan
There could be no better time to train to become a dental assistant in Michigan (MI) given the strong jobs growth in the sector.
There are over 9,500 dental assistants employed in Michigan and the number is expected to grow with the Bureau for Labor Statistics predicting jobs growth for the role in the USA of 19% between 2016 and 2026.
In order to become a dental assistant in the USA many states will require you to graduate from an accredited program and to pass additional state level or national certification exams.
Listed below are some of the top dental assisting and related programs in Michigan. Get started today by reaching out to schools and programs in your area for information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition and financial assistance.
Accredited Dental Assistant Schools Michigan
| School | Area | Accrediting Body | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor | CODA | Request Info |
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | CODA | Request Info |
| Baker College | Clinton Township | CODA | - |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit | CODA | Request Info |
| Mott Community College | Flint | CODA | - |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids | CODA | Request Info |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City | CODA | - |
| Delta College | University Center | CODA | Request Info |
Listed above are the top 8 dental assistant programs in Michigan which have been accredited by CODA.
For more options you can also view all DANB accredited programs in Michigan.
Click on the ‘Request Information’ link for each school and enter your details to receive information on their dentistry programs and admissions data.
You can also view results for schools offering Dental Assisting programs in Michigan and surrounding states on the map below.
Michigan Dental Assistant License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Michigan law that you obtain a license to work as a dental assistant there. The Michigan Board of Dentistry governs the licensing of dental assistants in Michigan. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Phone: (517) 373-1820
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense
Dental Assistant Salary in Michigan
| State | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $36,480 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.54 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $49,080 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $25,600 |
| #'s Employed | 9,550 |
The average Dental Assistant salary in Michigan is $36,480 – 3.1% below the national average.
This represents an hourly wage of $17.54.
There are currently 9,550 persons employed as dental assistants in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental assistants across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Michigan;
| Area | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City, MI | $38,490 | 70 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $41,540 | 300 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $41,990 | 920 |
| Midland, MI | $39,970 | 110 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $38,850 | 410 |
| Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $37,550 | 380 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | $35,730 | 100 |
| Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $35,510 | 170 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $37,800 | 120 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $37,480 | 510 |
| Jackson, MI | $37,810 | 130 |
| Muskegon, MI | $36,820 | 160 |
| Monroe, MI | $37,910 | 90 |
| Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $35,210 | 540 |
| Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI | $35,220 | 3,270 |
| Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $37,200 | 280 |
| Flint, MI | $34,660 | 510 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $34,980 | 4,530 |
| Saginaw, MI | $32,120 | 230 |
| Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia, MI | $34,360 | 1,260 |
*Updated May 2018 to allow for the most recent BLS data released in March 2018.
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Michigan
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment for dental assistants with related healthcare careers in Michigan;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | 9,160 | $34,900 |
| Dental Hygienists | 9,870 | $61,230 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 2,460 | $59,810 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 10,870 | $30,020 |
| Surgical Technologists | 3,390 | $42,660 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 2,900 | $31,300 |
| Nursing Assistants | 49,780 | $27,990 |
| Medical Assistants | 22,790 | $29,900 |
| Phlebotomists | 2,480 | $29,970 |