Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act applies broadly to employers with one or more employees, including dental practices.

By 2026, most established practices should already be accruing or frontloading leave, using a compliant written policy and keeping the required records.

WHAT TO CHECK NOW

• Confirm whether the practice counts as a small business: generally 10 or fewer employees.

• If accruing time, provide at least one hour for every 30 hours worked.

• Small businesses may generally limit annual use to 40 hours; other employers may generally limit use to 72 hours.

• If frontloading, confirm the amount and part-time proration meet Michigan requirements.

• Give new hires the required rights notice and provide the current written leave and call-off policy.

• Display the required ESTA poster and retain hours-worked and sick-time records for at least three years.

DENTAL PRACTICE WATCH-OUTS

• Per diem or flexible employees are not automatically exempt when the practice controls the schedule.

• Existing PTO works only if it provides at least the same benefits, uses, conditions and accrual.

• Foreseeable-leave notice cannot exceed seven days; unforeseeable leave must allow notice as soon as practicable.

• Documentation may generally be requested only after more than three consecutive days, and the practice pays the employee’s out-of-pocket cost.

• Approved ESTA time should not be counted as an attendance occurrence that leads to discipline.

• Review payroll, timekeeping and scheduling together so every location and employee type is tracked consistently.

LAST REVIEWED: August 21, 2026.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Michigan LEO ESTA FAQ: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/frequently-asked-questions/wage-and-hour/earned-sick-time-faqs | ESTA page, statute and poster: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/paid-medical-leave-act