Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)

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Overview

The CPFDA exam consists of four component exams: CP, SE, TA and TF.

CPFDA component exams

Price $425*

CPFDA Application Packet

DANB Step 1

Step One: Check Your Eligibility

To earn CPFDA certification, you must be eligible under one of four pathways. In addition, you must have dental assistant or hygiene work experience or graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or hygiene program. Find more details about CPFDA certification eligibility pathways on our Exam Eligibility Requirements page.

Check Your Eligibility

DANB Step 2

Step Two: Complete the Application and Submit the Fee

To apply for DANB’s CPFDA exam, please download and review the CPFDA application packet, which includes the CPFDA application. The fee for the full CPFDA exam is $375 (check the CPFDA application packet for exceptions as well as component exam fees). See the CPFDA application packet for complete information regarding application requirements and deadlines.

DANB’s CPFDA Application Packet (PDF) 

DANB Step 3

Step Three: Schedule and Take the Exam

Within four weeks after your exam application is received and processed, you will receive a notice from DANB that contains instructions on how to schedule your test. For information on what to expect during and after the exam, please refer to the CPFDA application packet.

Already Applied? View Your Upcoming Exams in Your Account

CPFDA Component Exams

  • Coronal Polish (CP)

    The Coronal Polish (CP) exam is one of four components of the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam. This exam can be taken at the same time as the other three component exams or on its own. Successful completion of the CP exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CP, SE, TA and TF exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the CP exam:

    • 100 multiple-choice questions
    • 1 ¼ hours testing time
    • $225 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the CP Exam Page

  • Sealants (SE)

    The Sealants (SE) exam is one of four components of the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam. This exam can be taken at the same time as the other three component exams or on its own. Successful completion of the SE exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CP, SE, TA and TF exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the SE exam:

    • 80 multiple-choice questions
    • 60 minutes testing time
    • $125 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the SE Exam Page

  • Topical Anesthetic (TA)

    The Topical Anesthetic (TA) exam is one of four components of the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam. This exam can be taken at the same time as the other three component exams or on its own. Successful completion of the TA exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CP, SE, TA and TF exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the TA exam:

    • 80 multiple-choice questions
    • 60 minutes testing time
    • $125 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the TA Exam Page

  • Topical Fluoride (TF)

    The Topical Fluoride (TF) exam is one of four components of the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) exam. This exam can be taken at the same time as the other three component exams or on its own. Successful completion of the TF exam leads to a certificate of knowledge-based competency. The CP, SE, TA and TF exam applications are included in the application packet. Following are details about the TF exam:

    • 80 multiple-choice questions
    • 60 minutes testing time
    • $125 stand-alone exam fee
    • No eligibility requirements apply

    Go to the TF Exam Page

What Functions Are Allowed in Your State?

Each state has different rules around the expanded functions dental assistants are allowed to perform and the requirements they must meet. DANB's CRFDA and CPFDA certifications are national, voluntary credentials that may or may not be recognized in your state. See DANB's state requirements page or check with your state dental board to learn more.

Check Your State's Requirements

Create Your Own Account

When you create an online account with DANB, you can:

  • Track your exam and certification history
  • Check the status of an exam application
  • Update your personal information

Create an Account Today

Not Familiar with a Term or Acronym?

As you visit our website or review one of DANB’s Application Packets, you may run across some testing and credentialing terms or DANB acronyms that are unfamiliar to you. Below are links to valuable resources that contain definitions for these terms and acronyms.

DANB’s Commonly Used Terms

Institute of Credentialing Excellence Basic Guide to Credentialing Terminology (PDF)