Earn Dental Assistant Certification
The next step in your dental journey
Earning dental assistant certification is an achievement to be proud of. Support your patients and your team. Show your professional commitment and demonstrate your knowledge. Learn more about dental assistant certification.
Why earn certification?
There are many reasons to earn dental assistant certification, including personal and professional benefits.
- Pride. Earning certification is a big milestone in your career. It shows that you have gained the education and experience to deliver a high standard of care. Your patients count on you, and when you hold certification, you know you are giving them the best.
- Confidence. Dental assistants perform many functions in the office and are counted on by every team member and all the patients. It’s a lot to keep up with in a day, and the profession is evolving. Earning certification shows that you are knowledgeable and skilled, and you can have faith in your expertise.
- Commitment. Working in healthcare is one of the most important jobs. Dental assistants help patients every day by improving their oral health. That’s why the most dedicated dental assistants know that dental assisting is not just a job, but a career. Earning certification shows that you take your work seriously and are committed to the profession.
- Opportunities. As a dental assistant, your career can go in many directions. Many dental assistants work in general dentistry, while others work in a specialty practice. Some dental assistants work in private practices, while others work in public health, education, dental sales, and more. With so many possibilities, holding certification can open even more doors for you. Not to mention, DANB Certified Dental Assistants report earning higher salaries and receiving more raises. Plus, holding DANB certification can make it easier for you to relocate if you move to a new state, as DANB exams are widely recognized across the country.
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I’m very proud of pursuing my goals and the successes I’ve had, my dreams come true. Earning certification helped me expand myself to do more of what I love, which is helping patients. -
I always say that it’s important to keep growing. We can always improve. Go for certification. Be your best self; you take who you become with you.
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Holding the title of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificant has given me great honor and pride. I enjoy learning and gaining more knowledge, and maintaining my certification is a path for continued growth.
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Being a dental assistant is a great career, and earning certification shows that you are committed to being your best. I encourage others to explore the opportunities that we have as dental assistants.
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Dental assisting is a great profession. Be proud of yourself for doing what you do! Earn certification for yourself and your patients. Patients count on your smile.
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I love my job as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certified dental assistant. I’ve achieved several promotions, and it’s all due to my dedication and love for the field of dentistry.
How to earn certification
DANB offers several certifications for all stages of your career, from entry-level to advanced. Some DANB certifications are made up of different component exams, which you can take together or separately. When you pass all the exams, you will earn the certification.
National Entry Level Dental Assistant
DANB’s National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is ideal for those who are starting out in their dental assisting careers. There are three exams to pass to earn DANB’s NELDA certification, and earning this certification puts you on the path to become a Certified Dental Assistant. See the requirements.
Certified Dental Assistant
DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification is widely recognized and respected throughout the dental industry. More than 35,000 dental assistants hold this certification, which is recognized or required in many states across the country. The CDA certification is made up of three exams, which you can take separately or in a variety of combinations. See the requirements.
Certified Orthodontic Assistant
DANB’s Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certificate was created for dental assistants who work in an orthodontic practice or have experience working with orthodontic patients. There are two exams that make up this certification, and it builds on the knowledge you need as a chairside assistant. See the requirements.
Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant
DANB’s
Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) certification
focuses on the more advanced preventive functions dental assistants
perform, including coronal polishing, sealants and topical fluoride.
These are the three exams that make up this certification, and several
states recognize these exams separately as part of their dental
assistant requirements. See the requirements.
Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant
DANB’s Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certification targets the restorative functions dental assistants perform, as well as impressions, sealants and temporaries. There are four exams that make up this certification. See the requirements.
Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control
The Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) certification was developed by the Dental Assisting National Board in collaboration with the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). The CDIPC certification is the first clinically focused dental infection control certification in the United States. There is just one exam to pass to earn this certification. See the requirements.
Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control
The Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) certification was developed by the Dental Assisting National Board in collaboration with the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). The DISIPC certification is intended for dental sales representatives and managers, dental practice managers and other non-clinical dental professionals. There is just one exam to pass to earn this certification. See the requirements.