Becoming a Dental Therapist in Michigan

• Must be 3 academic years in length (equivalent to full 2 calendar years or 6 semesters)
• Must meet CODA standards. If a program was not CODA accredited at the time of graduation, the program will be reviewed during the license application process
• Student must complete 500 hours of patient care under direct supervision of a dentist

  *The degree level granted is determined by the educational institution; there is no degree level requirement

   for Michigan licensure*

  *There is no dental hygiene requirement to pursue a dental therapy career in Michigan*

  *Educational institutions may structure prerequisites (including possible clinical and license requirements) as

   they deem appropriate*

The Michigan Primary Care Association, with funding support from the Delta Dental Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, has developed Michigan's first dental therapy scholarship! Visit MPCA's Dental Therapy Scholarship Webpage for more information and to apply!

• Pass a two-part competency-based clinical exam (borad exams)
  1. ​Manikin restorations exam
  2. In-person clinical exam, often taken alongside dental students as the exam is identical
• Pass a computer-based didactic exam (board exam)
• Apply for dental therapy licensure. See the Michigan Dental Therapist Licensing Guide 

• Must work under a Written Practice Agreement with the supervising dentist(s). See statute section 16655
• Complete 35 CEUs every 2 years
• Practice within the settings allowed by statute- see section 16654 for details