DANB publishes a quarterly newsletter, Certified Press. Click here to read the Spring 2008 issue.

CDPMA Exam To Be Discontinued Due to exciting changes in the scope of the dental practice manager's role, DANB's Board of Directors has targeted the CDPMA certification program to be updated.   Because of this, DANB will soon stop administering the current CDPMA exams in order to update the program and ensure that all DANB certifications reflect current practice. Therefore, applications to take the current CDPMA exam (CDPMA-1 for CDAs or CDPMA-2 for those who are not CDAs) must be postmarked or faxed by May 31, 2008. Applications faxed after or with postmarks later than May 31st will not be accepted.     Current CDPMA certificants may continue to renew their credential annually by meeting DANB’s Recertification Requirements (12 hours of Continuing Dental Education, holding current DANB-accepted CPR certification and submitting the renewal fee). After June 1, 2008, reinstatement of a lapsed CDPMA certification will only be possible if the credential has lapsed or less than one year. Until June 1, 2008, please refer to the 2008 DANB CDPMA Exam Candidate Guide or call 1-800-FOR-DANB for information on the eligibility requirements for the CDPMA Exam.

About DANB

DANB is the nationally recognized premier certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants. Since 1948, the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB), a nonprofit organization, has played a vital role in the oral healthcare community. Recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as the national credentialing agency for dental assistants, DANB serves the public good by providing a means of identifying qualified and competent dental assistants and by measuring and promoting excellence in oral healthcare delivery. DANB exam programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

As a Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence™, DANB Certification is a source of pride for those who achieve it.

For those dental assistants who meet the eligibility and exam requirements, certification may be earned in one or more of the following areas:

• Certified Dental Assistant – CDA®

• Certified Orthodontic Assistant – COA®

• Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator – CDPMA®

In addition to these three national credentials, DANB offers Certificates of Competency in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS®) and Infection Control (ICE®). Passing either or both of these exams allows a dental assistant to demonstrate competence in these two areas that are very important to the health and safety of oral healthcare workers and patients alike. The RHS and ICE exams are components of the CDA exam. ICE is also a component of the COA exam. Individuals have the opportunity to take these components separately and earn separate certificates, which make an impressive demonstration of personal achievement.

To learn more about credentialing, please read: The NOCA Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts

DANB is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The National Commission For Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a NOCA Commission with responsibility for accrediting credentialing programs, has evaluated DANB national certification exam programs, (CDA, COA, CDPMA and COMSA), including DANB component exams (RHS, ICE, GC and OA) and found DANB programs meet NCCA’s highest standards, thus helping to assure validity, reliability, and objectivity in the testing process. DANB Executive Director Cynthia C. Durley, MEd, MBA, completed a six-year term on the NCCA, (Chair in 2003 and 2004) and is currently NOCA’s President.

DANB, the DANB logo and Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. are registered trademarks of Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. CDA, COA, COMSA, RHS and ICE are registered certification marks of DANB. CDPMA is a certification trademark of DANB. Use of these marks is strictly prohibited unless explicit written permission is granted by DANB.

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