Abstract
Credentialing dental assistants is presented as a method to enhance productivity and address workforce shortages; currently, only about 15% of Michigan dental assistants are Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs). A case study at Thunder Bay Community Health Service, an FQHC in Northern Michigan, illustrates success, where RDAs perform expanded functions—like placing restorations and monitoring nitrous oxide—boosting clinic productivity by 16%. The clinic supports its dental assistants by covering education and exam expenses and providing study time during work hours. This investment improves job satisfaction, confidence, morale, and patient communication among staff, strengthening employee retention.
Recommended Citation
Godofsky, Michelle
(2025)
"The Case for Credentialing Dental Assistants,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
12, Article 10.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss12/10
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