Filling the Gap: From Experience to Certification and a New Career

Carly had experience in the dental field, but without certification, advancing her career felt out of reach. Determined to turn her background into a lasting profession, she enrolled in the Clinical Dental Assistant program at North Central Michigan College. The short-term format made it possible to gain the credentials she needed without a long-time commitment.

Like many adult learners, finances were a barrier. With support from Michigan Works!, Carly received tuition assistance and mileage reimbursement for her training in Petoskey, easing the burden and allowing her to focus on her coursework. She describes the staff as “very helpful and supportive, but also patient and understanding,” offering encouragement that made a meaningful difference throughout her journey.

Carly completed the program and reached an exciting milestone: a dental assistant position at a local oral surgery clinic was waiting for her before she even finished the course. With the right support and determination, she turned her experience into certification—and a brighter future in the dental field.

Reflecting on her experience, Carly shares: “I moved to Alpena with dental experience, but couldn’t find a dental assistant position without certification. The costs of going back to school were more than I could afford. With Michigan Works! support, I completed the NCMC Clinical Dental Assistant course and had a job lined up before I graduated. I learned you should be ready to try new ways of achieving your goals. Be patient and trust the process.”