Michigan — sleeping bear dunes lakeshore

Michigan Dental Assistant License

Michigan Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from a CODA-accredited dental assistant program to the Board.
  • CPR Certification — Proof of current BLS or ACLS certification with a hands-on component (AHA or equivalent).
  • Human Trafficking Training Certificate — Documentation of completing a one-time training meeting Michigan Administrative Rule 338.11123.
  • Implicit Bias Training Certificate — Proof of 2 hours of implicit bias training completed within 5 years of application.
  • Fingerprint Receipt — Confirmation from IdentoGO that fingerprints were captured for the background check.

How to Apply

  1. Create a MiPLUS Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) to begin the application process.
    Register on MiPLUS
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) application within the MiPLUS portal and pay the required application fee (approximately $106.05).
    Start Application
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions and an Agency ID for fingerprinting via IdentoGO.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  4. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Arrange for your CODA-accredited dental assisting program to send official transcripts directly to the Bureau of Professional Licensing.
  5. Complete Required Trainings ▾
    Complete a one-time Human Trafficking training and at least 2 hours of Implicit Bias training prior to licensure.
  6. Pass Michigan RDA Examinations ▾
    Register for and pass both the Michigan RDA clinical and written examinations. You must pass both within 18 months of your first attempt.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Michigan Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a dental assistant license.
  2. Verify One Year of Active Practice ▾
    Applicants for endorsement must have held an active license in good standing for at least 1 year in another state.
  3. Pass Michigan RDA Exams ▾
    Michigan requires endorsement applicants to pass the state-specific clinical and written RDA exams unless they have passed a substantially equivalent regional exam.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Compact
No
Board
Michigan Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Michigan Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 3 years. Contact the Michigan Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50

Slow Downs

Transcript Delivery ▾
Transcripts not sent directly from the educational institution to the Board will not be accepted.
Fingerprint Processing ▾
Background checks can take up to 30 business days; delays occur if the wrong Agency ID is used.
Incomplete Training ▾
Failure to complete the specific Michigan-mandated Human Trafficking or Implicit Bias training will stall the final license issuance.

Questions

Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Michigan? ▾
Unlicensed dental assistants do not need a license but are limited in their duties. To perform expanded functions, you must become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
How many CE hours are required for RDA renewal? ▾
RDAs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years, including specific hours in pain management, ethics, and infection control.
Is the DANB CDA certification accepted for licensure in Michigan? ▾
No, Michigan requires graduation from a CODA-accredited program and passing the Michigan-specific RDA clinical and written exams.
How long is the RDA license valid? ▾
Initial licenses are valid for one year or less; subsequent renewals are for a three-year period.

Board Info

Michigan Board of Dentistry
Phone517-335-0918
EmailLARA-BPL@michigan.gov
Sources
State statutes