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Currently, DANB offers two e-learning courses. However, the DANB Board of Directors has been working to establish a nonprofit educational and research foundation to offer additional learning opportunities. Scroll down to read more about the foundation, or download the Spring issue of DANB's Certified Press.
The DALE Foundation
DANB's Board of Directors has been working to establish a separately incorporated nonprofit foundation focused on research and education in dental assisting. At its February 2010 Board meeting, the DANB Board determined that the foundation will be named the Dental Assisting Learning and Education (DALE) Foundation. The DALE Foundation will support the work of DANB for the advancement of dental assistants, the promotion of certification for dental assistants and the benefit of the public by developing and providing quality education and conducting sound research to support and promote oral health.
The DALE Foundation will be providing supplemental education including online review courses for DANB component exams. A Review Course for DANB’s Radiation Health & Safety exam will be available later this year, and a Review Course for DANB’s Infection Control exam will be available in 2011. The DALE Foundation also has plans to introduce additional Assessment Based Certificate Programs (ABCPs) for dental office managers and other dental professionals. DANB's ABCP: Accounts Receivable is currently offered by DANB, but the rights will be transferred to the DALE Foundation. The next ABCP will address Human Resources Fundamentals.
“Dental assistants have asked DANB to provide additional review materials for DANB component exams. We are excited that through the DALE Foundation, DANB will be able to help assistants, their employers, and dental assisting educators to address these needs,” says DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley. “The offerings through the independently incorporated DALE Foundation in no way replace primary formal dental assisting education programs, particularly those high-quality, comprehensive programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. However, we believe the courses will be a valuable supplement for review and continuing education.”
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