What is a DANB certified dental assistant?

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If you're looking to earn national dental assisting certification, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the national certification board for dental assistants. DANB's CDA certification is made up of three component exams: General Chairside Assisting (GC) Infection Control (ICE)



Likewise, people ask, what are the certifications for a dental assistant?

DANB offers five national certifications:

  • National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA®)
  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®)
  • Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA®)
  • Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA®)
  • Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA®)

Likewise, how do I get DANB certified? Getting Started
  1. Create an Account. The first step is to create a DANB account or log into an account if you already have one.
  2. Apply. DANB offers national certification exams, certificates of knowledge-based competency exams and state-specific dental assisting expanded functions exams.
  3. Prepare.

Likewise, how long does it take to become a certified dental assistant?

A dental assisting program can take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete, depending on whether it's a certificate, diploma or degree program. After finishing their education and passing any required certifications, dental assistants perform a variety of essential functions.

Is the DANB exam hard?

We often hear that DANB exams are very tough. Why is that? Kate: Dental assistants often tell us that the DANB Certified Dental Assistant exam, or CDA exam, is the hardest test they have ever taken. But that's because DANB's exams are adaptive.

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What is the highest paying dental assistant job?

Best-Paying States for Dental Assistants
The states and districts that pay Dental Assistants the highest mean salary are Minnesota ($49,880), District of Columbia ($49,220), New Hampshire ($48,760), Alaska ($47,330), and North Dakota ($46,640).

Is becoming a dental assistant worth it?

Is Becoming a Dental Assistant Worth It? Dental assisting can be exciting work in a growing allied health field. It's a career that can offer advancement to those with the right qualifications and interest. If all of this sounds good to you, then a 9-month dental assistant program could be worth it.

What is the difference between a certified dental assistant and a registered dental assistant?

CDAs and RDAs are two different titles for dental assistants. CDAs hold a national certification obtained through the DANB, whereas registered dental assistants (RDAs) must pass state-specific requirements, which vary state to state. In fact, there are many different titles for dental assistants in various states.

Can you be a dental assistant without certification?

Most states allow for entry level dental assistants, and don't require formal training to get started. You can get on-the-job experience to see if you like the field of dental assisting before investing in education (assuming you can find a dentist willing to train you).

How much is the CDA exam?


The price for the CDA exam is $450. You must meet eligibility requirements to take the CDA exam. You can find more exam eligibility requirement details below.

What is the fastest way to become a dental assistant?

6 Steps to Becoming a Dental Assistant
  1. Step 1: High School Preparation.
  2. Step 2: Get Dental Assisting Training.
  3. Step 3: Complete an Externship (Optional)
  4. Step 4: Get Licensed.
  5. Step 5: Get a Certification.
  6. Step 6: Advance Your Career (Optional)

How hard is dental assisting school?

1. Myth: Becoming a Dental Assistant Isn't Hard. Fact: While it's possible for dental assistants to enter the profession without first attending a formal dental assisting education program, those who choose this path embark on the challenging experience of learning the ins and outs of dental assisting on the job.

How many questions is the DANB exam?

There are 120 questions in the General Chairside component of the exam, and they deal with the following topics: Collection and Recording of Clinical Data (10%)

What are the requirements to become a certified dental assistant?

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a DANB-Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
  • Step 1: Graduate from high school (four years).
  • Step 2a: Graduate from a dental assisting program (nine months to two years).
  • Step 2b: Complete a minimum of 3,500 hours of DANB-approved work experience (two to four years).

What is the difference between a dental assistant and hygienist?


Perhaps the biggest difference between these dental support positions is that a dental assistant provides direct aid to dentists, conducting office tasks, and small, supervised jobs on patients' teeth, while a hygienist often works one-on-one with a patient, and doesn't have as much constant supervision.

How do I get certified to be a dental assistant?

Certification. Dental assistants can become certified by passing an examination that evaluates their knowledge. Most dental assistants who choose to become nationally certified take the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

How much do certified dental assistants make?

Pay by Experience Level for Dental Assistant (Certified)
An experienced Dental Assistant (Certified) with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of C$24.47 based on 200 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of C$25.

How long will it take me to become a dental hygienist?

It usually takes about 2 years for aspiring dental hygienists to complete the necessary educational programs. From there, they must earn licensure before practicing in the field. Graduate-level training programs in advanced subjects related to dental hygiene are also available.

What does a certified dental assistant do?

What Dental Assistants Do. Assistants prepare and organize tools needed by dentists to work on a patient. Dental assistants have many tasks, including patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists' offices in which they work.

Where can I go to school to become a dental assistant?


Education for Dental Assistants
Most programs are offered by community colleges, although they also may be offered by vocational or technical schools. Most programs take about 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Programs that last 2 years are less common and lead to an associate's degree.

How many years does it take to become an orthodontist?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Orthodontist? It can take up to ten years to become an orthodontist. When you break down the amount of school it takes, you will find that the four years for the degree, the four years at dental school, and the additional two years in a residency program will make up this time.

What can you do after being a dental assistant?

Here's a quick look at the top ten most common jobs for former dental assistants:
  • Dental Hygienist.
  • Office Manager.
  • Customer Service Representative.
  • Sales Associate.
  • Administrative Assistant.
  • Dental Assistant/Receptionist.
  • Cashier.
  • Oral Surgery Assistant.