2026 Michigan Dental Assistant License Renewal

Start your renewal confidently with the $95 on-demand implicit bias CE course from Renew Now CE — approved provider ANCC P0557 / MI Board 50-18921.

Are you a dental assistant in Michigan feeling the stress of licensing renewal? You’re not alone. With evolving rules around continuing education (CE), implicit bias training, and record keeping, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news: you can streamline the process with a fully approved, instant-certificate, on-demand CE package that covers your implicit bias requirement.
Enroll Now – $95 →


Quick Facts

Here’s your quick look at what you need for 2026 renewal as a Michigan Registered Dental Assistant (RDA):

  • Renewal frequency: Every 3 years for RDAs in Michigan.
  • Total CE hours required: 36 hours every 3-year cycle.
  • Live / interactive minimum: At least 12 of those 36 hours must be live or interactive; the rest may be online or asynchronous.
  • Implicit bias training: In addition to the 36 hours, RDAs must complete 3 hours (1 hour per year of the cycle) of implicit bias training.
  • Renewal deadlines: Based on your license cycle (see your renewal notice from LARA).
  • Renewal fee: Check the latest fee with the Michigan Board of Dentistry / LARA — typically listed in the official guide.
  • First-time renewal exemptions: If licensed for less than a full 3-year cycle, some CE hours may be prorated, but the implicit bias training still applies.

Get the $95 Implicit Bias Package →


CE Requirements Deep Dive

What exactly do you need?

For a Michigan Registered Dental Assistant renewing in 2026:

  • 36 total hours of continuing education (CE) over the 3-year license cycle — your baseline requirement.
  • Of those 36 hours:
    • 12 hours minimum must be live or interactive (in-person or live webinar).
    • Up to 18 hours may be online or asynchronous (if approved).
  • Implicit bias training requirement:
    • Starting June 1, 2022, all licensed health-care professionals (including dental assistants) must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training per license period (≈ 1 hour per year of the cycle).
    • Training must cover implicit bias definitions, equitable access, diversity, and include pre/post-testing.
    • Update (2023): Implicit bias hours do not count toward the 36-hour general CE total.

Approved Subject Areas & Providers

  • Courses must be approved by nationally recognized organizations (e.g., ADA CERP, ANCC) or by the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
  • For implicit bias training, providers must address:
    • Definition of implicit and explicit bias
    • Health-care disparities and access issues
    • Populations affected (race, ethnicity, gender, SES)
    • Strategies to mitigate bias in clinical decision-making
  • Renew Now CE offers:
    • 3.0 CE credits (for dental professionals) via ADA CERP / ANCC / ACCME accreditation
    • Provider approval: ANCC P0557 / MI Board 50-18921

Secure Your Implicit Bias CE Now – $95 →


Renewal Process Step-by-Step

Pre-renewal checklist

  • Confirm your license expiration date and renewal cycle with the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
  • Verify you have:
    • 36 total CE hours (12 live minimum)
    • 3 hours implicit bias training (approved provider)
    • Current CPR/BLS card (if required)
    • Any other required courses: pain management, ethics/jurisprudence, infection control, human trafficking (one-time)
  • Download and store all certificates of completion (CE and implicit bias) — you may be audited.

Online renewal process

  • Log into the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s renewal portal through LARA.
  • Enter CE hours and upload certificates as required.
  • Confirm implicit bias provider name, completion date, hours earned, and certificate number.
  • Pay the renewal fee electronically and submit before the deadline.

Record-keeping & audit preparation

  • Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years beyond renewal.
  • If audited, be prepared to submit:
    • Copies of CE certificates (provider, hours, dates)
    • Proof of implicit bias training (provider, accreditation, hours)
  • Use a provider like Renew Now CE, whose certificates list provider ID (ANCC P0557) and Michigan compliance details.

Enroll Today – $95 →


Common Mistakes & Solutions

Mistake 1: Waiting until the last minute
Solution: Start your implicit bias module and CE early to avoid time pressure and late fees.

Mistake 2: Choosing a non-approved provider
Solution: Select accredited providers with listed IDs (ANCC P0557MI Board 50-18921). Renew Now CE meets all criteria.

Mistake 3: Counting implicit bias hours toward the 36 CE total
Solution: As of Oct 2 2023, implicit bias hours cannot count toward the 36 required CE hours — they are in addition.

Mistake 4: Poor record-keeping
Solution: Save certificates clearly (e.g., “MI-RDA_ImplicitBias2026_RenewNowCE.pdf”) and back them up digitally.

Mistake 5: Taking irrelevant CE courses
Solution: Focus on approved topics (assisting techniques, infection control, ethics, pain management) and ensure 12 live hours.


Professional Development Value

Completing your renewal isn’t just compliance — it’s career investment.

  • Gain awareness of how implicit bias affects patient communication and care outcomes.
  • Employers value assistants who stay ahead on CE and diversity training — it can open advancement opportunities.
  • Patients trust teams who show respect and inclusion — you enhance both comfort and care quality.
  • Using a trusted provider means less stress over compliance and more focus on clinical skill.

Invest in Your Career – $95 →


Special Situations FAQ

Q: What if this is my first-time renewal (licensed less than a full 3-year cycle)?
A: You still need implicit bias training. The 36 hours may be prorated, but implicit bias is not exempt.

Q: I’m licensed in multiple states — does Michigan’s implicit bias rule apply only to MI?
A: Yes. Rule R 338.7004 applies to your Michigan license only.

Q: What if I’m on active military duty or deployed?
A: You may receive a temporary extension but must complete training upon return. Contact LARA for details.

Q: What happens if I’m audited and missing hours?
A: You must submit proof of completion from approved providers or complete additional CE plus fees for reinstatement.

Q: I renewed late — what then?
A: Late renewals often incur fees or reinstatement requirements. Complete your CE on time to avoid delays.

Enroll Now – Get Certified for $95 →


Disclaimer: Requirements for licensure renewal are subject to change by the Michigan Board of Dentistry and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Always verify your specific cycle and CE requirements via the official board website before registering for courses. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.