Detroit Dental Assistant School

Dental Assistant Training in Detroit

Detroit Dental Assistant School is a career training center dedicated to preparing dental assistants. Its program is taught in real dental offices in Detroit, with instructors who practice the profession, and is designed for students to gain hands-on experience with the equipment and technology used in today's dental practice.

The school presents itself as a joint initiative between Zollege and local dental offices, so that learning takes place in the environment where the real work is done. The program lasts 12 weeks and tuition can be paid weekly, with the stated goal that students can train without taking on student loan debt.

The 12-Week Program

The training path is organized into four steps: learn about the program and talk to the admissions team; complete the application by choosing a start date and payment plan; pay the deposit to secure your seat, an amount that is deducted from tuition; and complete the program by following the school's guidance. When classes begin, students receive a set of scrubs at no additional cost.

Classes are held on flexible schedules in working dental offices. The school offers several start dates throughout the year. The next session announced at the time of review began on October 31, with Saturday sessions from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m., and limited seats.

Certifications Upon Completion

Those who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card issued by the American Heart Association.

Student Profile and Career Outcomes

The program is aimed at people interested in starting a career as a dental assistant. The school cites data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that dental assistant employment will grow 7% between 2025 and 2035, with a national median salary of $48,070 per year. The center offers career support that includes résumé reviews, interview tips, and guidance from job assistance specialists for the job search in Detroit.

Requirements and Nature of the School

To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The school describes itself as a licensed proprietary school and is not accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates of this program are not eligible for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant in Michigan.

Origin and History

Zollege was founded in 2010 as Vandelay Education by Dr. Thomas Ince, a dentist who could not find well-trained dental assistants to hire. Instead of waiting for changes in traditional programs, he created a shorter one, with hands-on instruction in active dental offices and structured so it could be paid for without loans. His brother Ryan, a physician, faced the same problem in healthcare, and both collaborated on a medical assistant program built with the same accelerated, in-office approach.

Location and Contact

1913 W South Blvd, Troy, MI 48098 · Phone: (313) 370-4856 · Email: info@detroitdentalassistant.com