About DANB
Our Mission and History
We are the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Our mission is to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community. We accomplish and measure the success of this mission through the creation of valid dental assisting exams; recertification requirement integrity; and valuable, visible and accessible DANB exams, certificates and certifications.
We have a
long and interesting history that traces back to 1948, when the American
Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) identified the need for dental
assistant certification and founded the Certifying Board of the American
Dental Assistants Association. In 1978, the Certifying Board became a
separately incorporated organization and, in 1980, changed its name to
the Dental Assisting National Board.
Today, DANB is
recognized by the American Dental Association as the national
certification board for dental assistants. More than 34,000 dental
assistants hold DANB certification, and each year, DANB issues nearly
50,000 certificates to those who pass its national and state exams.
DANB founded the Dental Advancement through Learning and Education (DALE) Foundation in 2010 as its official education and research affiliate. The DALE Foundation offers interactive online educational courses and resources to advance the dental team and help dental professionals prepare for DANB exams.
Our Values
At DANB and the DALE Foundation, we believe dental assistants are at the heart of the dental office and give everyone something to smile about!
Service. We actively support current and prospective dental assistants through equitable and inclusive engagement, for example through our testing procedures and certification requirements.
Respect. We acknowledge and consider the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.
Integrity. We adhere to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating honesty, sincerity, and consistency in actions and decisions.
Inclusion.
We ensure all individuals, regardless of differences or backgrounds, are fully engaged and valued members of a community or organization.
Teamwork. We are committed to working together toward a common goal, leveraging each other’s strengths.
Our Commitment
We support the development and advancement of a diverse dental workforce by removing barriers in our policies, programs, and products. We are committed to engaging a variety of perspectives in our workplace and governance to further foster an equitable and inclusive environment for current and aspiring dental assistants.
Our Accreditation and Impartiality
DANB’s CDA and COA certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This demonstrates DANB’s compliance with the standards of excellence for professional certification programs. The NCCA is a commission of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and provides accreditation for credentialing programs. DANB is also a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
DANB understands the importance of impartiality and potential conflicts of interests in carrying out its certification activities. Being impartial, and being perceived to be impartial, is necessary for DANB to be able to deliver credible certification programs that provide confidence to our candidates and certificants, the dental community, and the public. In order to obtain and maintain confidence, DANB will, at all times, be able to demonstrate that our decisions are based on objective evidence and that our decisions have not been improperly influenced by other interests or by other parties.
Board of Directors
Directors are nominated by the American Dental Assistants Association, American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Boards, American Dental Education Association, other DANB stakeholder organizations, and at-large DANB certificants. There is also one director who is a member of the public.
Chair: Sandra Garcia Young
Sandra L. Garcia Young, CDA, CDIPC, RDA, FADAA, FAADOM, of San Antonio, Texas, currently works as the practice administrator for CentroMed, one of Texas’s largest nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers. She has over 28 years of clinical experience and has worked in a variety of specialties.
Ms. Garcia Young entered the Air Force in 1996 and completed the Dental Assistant Apprentice course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. From 2000–2006, Ms. Garcia Young served as a chairside assistant and worked with third-year dental students on four-handed dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio. From 2006–2011, Ms. Garcia Young was the dental assisting program director at the Academy of Health Care Professions in San Antonio, Texas, where more than 300 students graduated from the dental assisting program during her tenure.
Ms. Garcia Young is a recipient of the Air Force Achievement Medal and was recognized as the 2015 Employee of the Quarter in the management category at CentroMed. She is a lifetime member of the American Association of Dental Office Management, as well as an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the Association for Dental Safety, the National Network for Oral Health Access, and the Hispanic Dental Association.
Chair-Elect: Tanya Dorf Brunner
Tanya Dorf Brunner, M.S., of Topeka, Kansas, is the inaugural executive director and co-founder of the American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC), a national organization that supports and advocates for state and territorial oral health coalitions. She previously served as executive director of Oral Health Kansas, where she led successful efforts to establish Medicaid adult dental benefits, educate Kansans about the importance of oral health, and advocate for access to dental care for people with disabilities.
Ms. Dorf Brunner serves as a co-leader of the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network Advocacy Committee. She is a former board member of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation and is an active community volunteer, serving on the boards of Topeka South Rotary, Topeka Civic Theatre Endowment, and Lady Shakes Theatre Company.
Ms. Dorf Brunner holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Bethany College, a master’s in management from Baker University, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Secretary-Treasurer: Kerri Friel
Kerri H. Friel, CDA, COA, RDH, M.A., of Warwick, Rhode Island, is a professor in the Dental Health Department at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), where she has taught for more than 25 years. At CCRI, she is the director of the Dental Assisting Program, vice president of the Faculty Association, and a past president of the Faculty Senate.
Throughout her career, Ms. Friel has helped advance the dental assisting profession through her leadership and volunteerism. She is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association and the Rhode Island Dental Assistants Association, of which she is a past president. She is also a member of the American Dental Education Association and the American Association of Dental Boards and is a current board member of the Dental Lifeline Network Rhode Island. She previously served on the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry as a voting CDA member and has held several roles with the American Board of Dental Examiners.
Ms. Friel received a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Rhode Island.
Immediate Past Chair: Barbara Mousel
Barbara Mousel, D.D.S., CDA, RDH, of Chicago, has owned a private practice in general dentistry since 1984. Dr. Mousel also worked as an educator at the Sanford-Brown College Dental Hygiene program from 2013-2014 and previously has held the roles of dental hygienist and dental assistant.
Dr. Mousel earned Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and holds Fellowship in the International College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, American College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and currently serves on the Council on Dental Education and Licensure and the Dental Education Committee. Dr. Mousel is a past president of the Illinois State Dental Society, American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD), Central Regional Dental Testing Service, and Chicago Dental Society Foundation, among other professional affiliations. In her career, Dr. Mousel has received numerous awards, including the 2000 Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award from the AAWD.
Dr. Mousel earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1984 from Loyola University School of Dentistry and a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene in 1979 from Loyola University of Chicago. She graduated in 1975 from City Colleges of Chicago with an associate of arts degree, with highest honors, and has held DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant certification since 1975.
Stephanie Bustos
Stephanie Bustos, CDA, CDIPC, RDA, of New Milford, New Jersey, has worked as a lead dental assistant for over six years. Her roles include lead assistant, lab technician (digital CAD/CAM), office trainer, OSHA coordinator, and clinical manager for Edgemont Dental Arts in Montclair, New Jersey. Her office has consecutively been awarded gold for “Best of Essex” Readers Choice Award by Suburban Essex Magazine.
Ms. Bustos is passionate about inspiring others to find happiness and pursue fulfilling, meaningful careers. Her decision to change careers to pursue a more fulfilling role as a dental assistant has led her to help advocate for dental assistants everywhere.
Ms. Bustos holds a certificate in dental assisting from Fortis Institute in Wayne, New Jersey. Through that CODA-accredited program, she completed her internship and externship, graduating in April 2021 and earning dean’s list recognition. She holds DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant certification and is a Registered Dental Assistant in the state of New Jersey. She is qualified to perform expanded functions. In addition, she completed the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program, developed by the DALE Foundation in collaboration with the Association for Dental Safety (ADS). She is a dedicated member of ADS.
Frank Maggio
Frank Maggio, D.D.S., is a periodontist with a practice in Elgin, Illinois; a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics; and a dental assisting faculty member at Elgin Community College. Dr. Maggio serves on the UIC Dental Alumni Board of Directors, formerly serving as its past president.
Dr. Maggio has been a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) since 1971, and has served on numerous ADA committees, councils, and task forces. He was an ADA Foundation Board member and was chairman of the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure, along with being an ADA trustee. He also has been president of the Illinois State Dental Society, Fox River Valley Dental Society, and McHenry County Dental Society. Dr. Maggio has numerous professional affiliations including the American Association of Dental Boards, the American Dental Education Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is chairman of the Dental Lifeline Network and a former Board member of the Illinois Board of Professional Regulation.
Dr. Maggio graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree; after completing military service in the U.S. Army, he earned his Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.
Renee McNally
Renee McNally, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, CDIPC, RDA (AMT), B.S., of Hagerstown, Maryland, has worked as a dental assistant for 16 years, specializing in orthodontics and dental infection control. During that time, she held roles that ranged from chairside assisting in a small private practice to overseeing infection control compliance in a large, multi-facility group practice. She later transitioned into a hybrid role in a private practice setting, where she leveraged her chairside assisting skills, infection control expertise, and leadership experience.
Ms. McNally obtained a certificate in dental assisting from Everest Institute, where she was the dental assisting program valedictorian and a member of the National Technical Honors Society. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology from Michigan State University and an associate degree in general science/pre-dental from Delta College.
Demonstrating her commitment to dental assisting excellence, Ms. McNally holds numerous certifications and licenses and is a proud member of the American Dental Assistants Association and the Association for Dental Safety. She extends her passion for dental assisting in her community by partnering with local college and high school programs to increase workforce development and collaboration within the dental office.
Kishan Patel
Kishan Patel, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.D.S., of Spartanburg, South Carolina, is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and currently working with a private practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina; he is also a licensed phlebotomist in the state of South Carolina. Additionally, Mr. Patel holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital in Ahmedabad, India.
Mr. Patel has published two academic books and several research and review articles in various international dental journals including the European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine and SVOA Dentistry. He has a strong desire to serve the community with his active volunteer work. In May 2023, Mr. Patel served as a subject matter expert for DANB’s Job Task Analysis to help advance the dental assisting profession. He previously served as a volunteer social worker and volunteer dentist in his home country.
In his free time, Mr. Patel enjoys surfing, golfing, skydiving, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and trying different types of cultural foods.
Kimberly Plate
Kimberly Plate, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.S., of Pingree Grove, Illinois, currently works as director of the dental assisting program at Elgin Community College (ECC). Ms. Plate previously worked as an ECC adjunct dental assisting faculty member from 1998 until assuming her director role there in 2004.
Additionally, Ms. Plate serves as an accreditation site visitor/consultant for the Commission on Dental Accreditation. She has nearly 40 years of dental assisting experience, specifically with working chairside, coordinating office infection prevention and control, and cross-training to fulfill office-management duties.
A longtime DANB certificant and American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) member, Ms. Plate currently serves as a Board member of the Illinois Dental Assistants Association, having previously served as its president-elect and past president. She has provided instrument sterilization oversight at past Illinois State Dental Society Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental events. She currently sits on the advisory committee of both the Visiting Nurse Association and Well Child Center in Elgin, and has volunteered with MOM, Cub Scouts, and school parent-teacher associations.
Ms. Plate holds a Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare leadership from National Louis University, plus an Associate of Arts degree as well as a vocational certificate in Clinical Dental Assisting from ECC.
Janée Tamayo
Janée Tamayo, CDA, CPFDA, B.S., MSgt, USAF, of Honolulu, Hawaii, has worked as a dental assistant with the U.S. Air Force for more than 10 years. She has worked as an Air Force dental assistant in Tampa, Florida; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is currently the dental flight chief at the U.S. Air Force’s 43rd Medical Squadron. Her past roles have included dental flight chief at Schriever Dental Clinic, non-commissioned officer in charge of records and reception, clinical flight chief, executive assistant to the commander of the 21st Medical Group, and dental technician.
Ms. Tamayo earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental assisting from the Community College of the Air Force, and a Bachelor of Science degree in sports and exercise science from American Military University. She is currently working toward a Master of Public Administration from American Military University.
She also has received extensive professional recognition. In August 2020, Ms. Tamayo earned the Humanitarian Service Medal from the 21st Medical Squadron. She also has received the Distinguished Graduate and Academic Achievement Award from the Vosler Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (2019) and the Distinguished Graduate and Commandant’s Leadership Award from Peterson Airman Leadership School (2015). Additionally, in 2014, Ms. Tamayo was named Dental Airman of the Year by Air Force Dental Service, and in 2013, Airman of the Year by the 21st Space Wing.
Lindsey Yates
Lindsey Yates, D.D.S., FACD, FNAP, of Denver, was elected to DANB’s Board of Directors in July 2023. Dr. Yates is an assistant director at the Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus; an associate professor for the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine; and an associate dentist for the University of Colorado Dental Faculty Practice.
She is active in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, and the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society.
Dr. Yates holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, and two certificates in General Practice Residency from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, a fellow of the National Academies of Practice, and is the recipient of numerous awards highlighting her commitment to dentistry.
Leader in Training: Jason Lawrence
Jason Lawrence, D.D.S., is a general dentist and owner of Carroll, Casteen & Lawrence Family Dentistry in Portsmouth, Virginia. Since 2023, he has also served as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at Old Dominion University School of Dental Hygiene.
Dr. Lawrence is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Virginia Dental Association. He is an executive committee member of the Tidewater Dental Association and serves on the boards of Montero Medical Missions and Park Place Dental Clinic. Committed to bringing oral healthcare to underserved communities, Dr. Lawrence is a volunteer dentist for Lackey Dental Clinic, Montero Medical Missions, and the VDA Mission of Mercy Project.
Dr. Lawrence earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Old Dominion University. He received numerous accolades, including the Hinman Scholarship, the International College of Dentists Leadership Award, and the International Digital Dentistry Academy Senior Student Award.
Leader in Training: Merli Vedia
Merli Vedia, RDA, of San Antonio, has more than 10 years of progressive experience in the dental assisting profession. She currently serves as the lead dental assistant and supervisor for CentroMed, a community health clinic where she oversees multisite teams and operations.
In addition to her clinical and administrative expertise, Ms. Vedia is committed to mentoring other dental assistants and advancing diversity and inclusion within the profession.
Ms. Vedia is a Registered Dental Assistant in Texas and a graduate of the College of Health Care Professions.
Laura Skarnulis
Laura Skarnulis has served as chief executive officer of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation since 2021, leading both organizations with a clear focus on strengthening and advancing the dental assisting profession. In this role, she has prioritized building and empowering a highly qualified dental assistant workforce, with a strong emphasis on expanding access and opportunity across the profession.
Under her leadership, DANB has introduced exam translations, increased scholarship funding, facilitated the development of the Dental Assisting Professional Model, and supported initiatives that make certification and career advancement more accessible to a broader and more diverse group of candidates. Ms. Skarnulis has also led efforts to cultivate a stronger sense of collaboration and community by increasing educational course offerings, developing robust professional resources, advancing critical workforce research, and strengthening both new and existing partnerships across the industry.
Ms. Skarnulis has worked in the healthcare certification space for more than 13 years, previously serving as chief operating officer at the American Board of Medical Specialties and holding a variety of leadership positions spanning nonprofits, sports, publishing, and public accounting.