How to Become a Dental Assistant in Michigan

Who can apply

• You can work as an unregistered dental auxiliary (UDA) without a state license, but only for the tasks the Board's rules let a dentist assign or delegate to a UDA.
• To be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
• RDA applicants must pass a Board-approved written and clinical exam, pass a criminal background check and show good moral character.
• RDA applicants need current BLS or ACLS for healthcare providers (with a hands-on component), one-time human trafficking training, 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years before licensure, and a working knowledge of English.

Step by step

1. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
2. Apply online for a Registered Dental Assistant license through MiPLUS and pay $135.20 (application fee plus 3-year license fee).
3. Have your official transcript sent directly to the Bureau, and have any state where you hold or held a license send a verification.
4. Complete the criminal background check using the instructions in your Application Confirmation letter.
5. Take the Michigan RDA written and clinical exams (or show you passed another Board-approved written and clinical exam).
6. Upload proof of BLS/ACLS and complete the human trafficking and implicit bias training.
7. Renew every 3 years with 36 hours of continuing education.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: The RDA license requires graduation from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). An unregistered dental auxiliary (UDA) who operates dental x-ray equipment must first complete a dental radiography course substantially equivalent to one taught in a Board-approved program. Some expanded RDA duties need an additional approved course.

Exam: The Michigan RDA exam has a written part (2 hours; passing score 75%) and a clinical part (2 hours, plus 30 minutes of orientation) in which you place a temporary crown and an amalgam restoration on a Viade Products Model #3296 that you buy yourself. Only graduates of CODA-accredited dental assisting programs may sit for it. You must pass both parts within 18 months of first taking either part; if you fail either part 3 times you must retake both parts. Results come about 6 to 8 weeks after the exam. You may instead show that you passed another Board-approved written and clinical exam.

What it costs in Michigan

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

LARA mails the exam admission letter about 10 to 14 days before the exam, and results are reported about 6 to 8 weeks after the exam date.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: Renew every 3 years online through MiPLUS, starting no sooner than 90 days before expiration ($46.80). You need 36 hours of Board-approved CE in the 3-year cycle, including at least 12 hours on clinical issues, 2 hours of pain and symptom management, 1 hour of dental ethics and jurisprudence (including delegation of duties), and 1 hour of infection control. At least 12 hours must be live (synchronous) and no more than 18 may be asynchronous. You also need 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the cycle and current BLS/ACLS. Keep CE records for 5 years in case of audit.

Good to know in Michigan

Unregistered assistants and x-rays: Michigan's rules list which tasks a dentist may assign or delegate to an unregistered dental auxiliary (UDA), an RDA or a hygienist. A UDA may operate dental x-ray equipment only after completing a radiography course substantially equivalent to one taught in a Board-approved program.

Licensed in another state: For licensure by endorsement you need a dental assistant license that has been active and in good standing for at least 1 year, a CODA-accredited program transcript, and a Board-approved written and clinical exam (or the Michigan RDA exam).

Canadian dental assistants: Applicants licensed in Canada for at least 1 year can qualify with a Canadian program, the NDAEB exam, 2 or more years of experience, an approved alternative education pathway (such as Washtenaw Community College's) and a passing score of at least 75 on the Board written exam.

Exam deadlines: Your application, fee and documents must reach the Bureau by the posted deadline for each exam date. For the January 15, 2027 exam at Wayne County Community College, the deadline is December 4, 2026.

Lapsed license: Relicensure costs $82.40 if lapsed less than 5 years or $155.20 if lapsed 5 years or more, and requires 36 hours of CE in the 3 years before applying. Longer lapses may require retaking the exams.

Sources

• LARA - Registered Dental Assistant Licensing Guide (rev. 1/26/2026)
• LARA - Registered Dental Assistant Examination
• LARA - Registered Dental Assistant Examination Brochure (LARA/LDN-600, 9/24)
• Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.11411 - Delegated and assigned dental procedures for allied dental personnel (Cornell LII)
• Michigan Admin. Code R 338.11101-R 338.11821 (Board of Dentistry General Rules)