Orthodontic Assisting

Apply for DANB’s Orthodontic Assisting (OA) exam. Learn about DANB’s OA exam, how to apply, how to prepare, and what to expect on exam day.
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Timeline & Requirements

TEST WINDOW

60 DAYS

TEST TIME

105 MINUTES

TEST QUESTIONS

140 QUESTIONS

Eligibility Requirements & Pathways

Pathway I

  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience
  • Current or former DANB CDA certification
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway II

  • High school graduation or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway III

  • Completion of an orthodontic assisting preparation course from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
  • Current DANB CDA certification
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway IV

  • Former DANB COA status, or graduation from a CODA-accredited DDS or DMD program in the U.S. or Canada, or graduation from a dental degree program outside the U.S. or Canada
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Testing Options

Test Center

Read about what to expect when you take your exam in-person at a test center.

DALE Foundation Study Materials

DANB OA Practice Test

Quiz yourself with over 200 practice questions to review the material before you take DANB’s OA exam.

Learn more.(opens in a new window)

The Orthodontic Assisting exam is a component of the following certifications:

COA