Dental Assistant Certification
After completion of a dental assistant training program, most graduates pursue official certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To attain certification, candidates must pass a written exam administered by DANB. This exam is approximately 4 hours long and includes 320 questions. On a scale from 100 to 900, candidates must score at least 400 to pass and become certified.
This exam contains 3 primary sections:
- General chairside test – 120 questions
- Radiation health and safety – 100 questions
- Infection control test – 100 questions
Passing the exam signifies the a dental assistant meets the highest level of professional competency and is highly qualified for work as a dental assistant. This inspires confidence in patients and potential employers.
For dental assistants who are trained on the job or who attend an unaccredited training program, 2 years of work experience are required before they are eligible to taket he DANB exam and become certified. Regulations vary from state to state as well, with some states recognizing subsections of the DANB exam for certification purposes. Certified dental assistants receive career benefits, such as a higher salary and the ability to find jobs more easily.
Top Dental Assistant Schools
Penn Foster
Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.
Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.
Vista College El Paso
Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.
Heald College
Heald College has a long history. Over 145 years ago, Edward Payson Heald opened the first Heald College in San Francisco, California. His mission was, and continues to be, to prepare students for business careers by providing them with career education that focused on practical, hands-on learning. Heald College has persevered since 1863, always remaining true to its original mission. As the needs of the workplace changed, the Heald College curriculum evolved from business courses to include technology, healthcare and legal degrees. As Heald College heads toward its 150th anniversary, we look back on a proud history as the first business college in the western United States.
Kaplan Career Institute
At Kaplan Career Institute, we provide affordable, career-focused programs that not only meet the demands of the market, but also the demands of your busy life. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our accelerated curricula give you the opportunity to earn a diploma in as little as 9 to 15 months or an associate’s degree in less than 2 years. Our instructors have professional experience and provide an inside look into some of today’s hottest careers.
Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.
Vista College Longview
Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.
Anthem College
Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.
At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.
Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College is committed to using its human and physical resources to provide services facilitating personal growth, professional development and a sense of responsibility to our students.
The primary purpose of Blue Cliff College is to help students develop a high level of competency, which is accomplished through the pursuit, assimilation, and dissemination of knowledge in academic programs.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Train for your new career today! Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides you the hands-on education and credentials you need to start a career in the fast-growing health care industry. We have two convenient campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida and our sole focus is helping you succeed as an Allied Health Care professional.
Heritage College
Every Heritage school (Heritage Institute & Heritage College) helps real people build real careers. Our schools offer programs and degrees for a career as an X-Ray Medical Technician®, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Surgical Technologist, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, or Cosmetologist. Please note that all programs may not be offered at all schools.
American Career College
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.
Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.