Dental Assistant in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Michigan
To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in Michigan, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program and pass the Michigan RDA Clinical and Written Examination. The licensing body is the Michigan Board of Dentistry. The application fee is $135.20, and a criminal background check and current CPR certification are also required. For renewal every three years, 36 hours of continuing education are needed, along with specific training in implicit bias and human trafficking. Michigan offers reciprocity for dental assistants licensed in other states or Canada who meet specific criteria, including having an active license for at least one year and providing proof of education and examination.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Michigan
| Detail | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Michigan Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. |
| Exam | Michigan RDA Clinical and Written Examination |
| Application Fee | $135 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | To perform most functions, including radiography and coronal polishing, registration as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is required. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and possess current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. Additionally, 3 hours of implicit bias training (1 hour per year of the license cycle) and one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking are required for renewal. There is no specified minimum age for licensure. If a Michigan dental assistant license has been expired for more than 5 years, the applicant must retake and pass all parts of the Michigan RDA examination. |
Source: Michigan Board of Dentistry
License Tiers
Michigan offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | N/A |
Dental Assistant Salary in Michigan
The median dental assistant salary in Michigan is $47,030 per year, which is 0.6% below the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,290 |
| 25th | $38,570 |
| 50th (median) | $47,030 |
| 75th | $48,880 |
| 90th (experienced) | $56,750 |
Michigan employs approximately 11,830 dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Dental Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.53/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant in Michigan Worth It?
Factors to consider: Michigan's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.