Dental Assistant Certification
After completion of a dental assistant training program, most graduates pursue dental assistant certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Dental assistant certification can help a dental assistant become more appealing to employers. It proves to employers that you have mastered the skills needed to be successful in dental assisting, according to a general dental assistant job description. It also allows dental assistants to earn a higher annual salary. In fact, the reasons to pursue dental assistant certification far outweigh the effort needed to become certified.
How To Get Dental Assistant Certification
To attain dental assistant certification, candidates must:
- Graduate from an accredited dental assistant school
- Have current CPR certification
- Pass a written exam administered by DANB
The dental assistant certification exam is approximately 4 hours long and includes 320 questions. On a scale from 100 to 900, candidates must score at least 400 to become certified.
The certification exam contains 3 main sections:
- General Chairside Test – 120 questions
- Radiation Health and Safety – 100 questions
- Infection Control Test – 100 questions
Passing the dental assistant certification exam signifies that a dental assistant meets the highest level of professional competency and is prepared to perform as a dental assistant.
For dental assistants who attended a training program that was not accredited, two years of work experience are required before they are eligible to take the DANB exam and become certified. Dental assistant certification regulations vary from state to state as well, with some states recognizing subsections of the DANB exam for certification purposes.
Benefits of Dental Assistant Certification
Certified dental assistants receive career benefits, such as a higher dental assistant salary and the ability to find jobs more easily. They are also generally given more job responsibility, and thus gain experience faster.
In general, certified dental assistants:
- Earn more than non-certified dental assistants
- Are hired more often than non-certified dental assistants
- Are more prepared to answer questions during dental assistant job interviews
- Can perform better as a dental assistant
- Gain employer trust more easily than dental assistants who are not certified
To learn more about what dental assistants do, see a general dental assistant job description. Information on dental assistant training programs and dental assistant courses is also available.
Dental Assistant Schools for Certification
Fortis College
At Fortis, our students get the skills and training needed for great careers in industries that are in demand. You are now closer to your dreams than ever before!
Fortis provides prominent education for anyone regardless of your previous educational background. Get the opportunity to receive all the personalized attention you deserve to achieve your career and educational goals!
Campus
- Landover
Programs
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Missouri College
For over 40 years, Missouri College in St. Louis, Missouri has given students the opportunity to obtain innovative, career-oriented training through our Business Administration, Health Care, and Massage Therapy program areas. We have helped prepare students for their initial journey into the workplace, as well as helped experienced professionals with career advancement.
Campus
- Brentwood
Programs
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Assistant
Kaplan College
A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career! Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!
Campus
- San Antonio San Pedro
Programs
- Dental Assistant
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.
Campus
- Inland Empire
- Long Beach
- Orange County
- Los Angeles
Programs
- Dental Assisting
Lincoln College of New England
The 21st century economy has become less about jobs and more about skills. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or you want to advance or change your career, Lincoln College of New England offers degree programs for the most in-demand careers, as well as internships where you gain first-hand knowledge and experience in your career field.
We’re a small college and our unique approach to education provides the academic and personal support you need to be successful. Lincoln graduates have an excellent reputation among employers-business, industries, health care services, and professional offices are anxious to hire our graduates. Twenty six percent of full time, first time in college freshmen entering Lincoln in the fall 2005 graduated with an associate’s degree within three years.
Campus
- Southington
Programs
- Dental Administrative Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Chairside Assistant
