Dental Assisting, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Health Sciences Division

Program Code: DENA2

Office: Curtice-Mott Complex CM2313

Phone: (810) 762-0317

Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting and additional courses with a grade of 2.0 or better, students are eligible to receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting. Graduates of this program will complete requirements that qualify them to take the Michigan State Board Examination for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and the National Board Examination to be a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and the State of Michigan.

Requirements to complete the Certificate of Achievement in Dental Assisting are:

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

All of the following must be met in order to become eligible:

1. Be admitted to MCC and declare intent to enter the Dental Assisting Program.
2. Demonstrate College level reading comprehension on the ACCUPLACER placement test within the last 5 years, OR a minimum score of 20 on the reading portion of the ACT within the last 5 years. A satisfactory grade in RDNG 030  or ENGL 100  within the last 5 years will also meet this requirement.
3. Provide proof of high school graduation or GED.
4. Submit a current CPR card. The card must be either the BLS Health Care Provider (American Heart Association) or the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross).
5. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in eligibility requirement courses (see #6 for specific courses).
6. Complete ENGL 101  or ENGL 103  (English Composition), BIOL 150  (The Human Body) or BIOL 151  and BIOL 152  (Human Anatomy and Physiology), and COMM 131  (Fundamentals of Communication), with a “C” (2.0) grade or better.
7. Submit a Supplemental Application for the Dental Assisting Program after all of the Eligibility Requirements listed above have been completed.

Criminal Background Investigations & Drug Screens

Michigan law requires criminal background screening for individuals working in most health care settings and facilities. Students in the Dental Assisting program are affected by this law. Conviction of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) may make a student ineligible to be assigned to a clinical site, making program completion and graduation unattainable.

A criminal background investigation is required to apply for the Dental Assisting program. Informational packets may be obtained from the Division office (CM 2313) or from an advisor.

The packet provides instruction regarding the process to complete and submit the background investigation. Students will not be admitted to the Dental Assisting program without a clear CBI.

In some cases, clinical sites may require students to complete additional background investigation and submit to drug screening procedures prior to or during the clinical experience. All background investigations and drug screenings are at the student’s expense.

Conviction of a criminal offense may also make graduates of the Dental Assisting program ineligible for state or national licensure/certification at program completion. All applicants for a Dental Assisting license in Michigan are required to submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background investigation prior to licensure/certification.

Program coordinators, faculty, advisors, and staff cannot give legal advice to any student regarding potential eligibility/ineligibility based on prior convictions or negative findings on the criminal background investigation the student should consult an attorney for questions specific to his/her individual case.