Is being a Certified Dental Assistant worth it? 3 ways CDAs stand out
Should you become a Certified Dental Assistant? Earning DANB certification is undoubtedly a challenge. Dental assistants who take on this challenge dedicate hours, weeks, and even months studying hard and preparing for their exams.
But the day that a dental assistant passes the DANB exam and earns those three letters, CDA, is one to celebrate! Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant can increase your confidence and pride in your profession — and those are just some of the many reasons to pursue it.
Beyond holding a certification, CDAs also prove they stand out in their careers and in their dental practices. The results of DANB's Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey show that the professional commitment it takes to earn certification often extends into other career achievements and professional qualities.
These are just a few ways CDAs stand out in the dental practice.
Additional education
Dental assistants who hold CDA certification show a commitment to self-improvement. Many CDAs are lifelong learners who are passionate about professional development and finding new ways to help their patients, teammates, and practice.
“My 48-year career has been so rewarding, more than I ever thought possible. I love what I do. I’m happy I ‘stayed the course’ and continued on in this path,” says Doreen, CDA.
What’s more, as part of the renewal requirements for maintaining DANB certification, dental assistants must complete continuing education every year, including mandatory CE in infection prevention and control. This ensures CDAs are staying on the cutting edge, continuously learning and staying up to date on developments in dental technology, research, treatment methods, and more.
Career growth
When dental assistants earn DANB’s CDA certification, they often don’t stop there. In fact, many go on to earn state-specific credentials.
In many states, CDA certification is recognized or required to perform dental radiographic procedures or expanded functions. CDAs are more likely to climb the career ladder in their state and earn additional credentials. And for dental assistants who might move to a new state in the future, DANB certification can help them make the transition and stand out when looking for a new job.
View your state dental assisting requirements
“Becoming a CDA certificant has laid a great foundation and opened so many doors for me,” says Clyde, CDA. “When I moved, my state recognized DANB’s CDA certification so I didn’t have to start over. Also, I am now on my way to earn an expanded functions state credential.”
Commitment to the profession
Dental assistants who earn CDA certification are demonstrating their commitment to their careers, and this dedication can be backed up by the numbers. According to DANB’s survey, 84% of dental assistants who held CDA certification had 6 or more years of experience. CDAs are also more likely to have been with their current employer for longer. DANB's survey found that CDAs have worked with their current employer for an average of 10 years, compared to three years for non-certified assisants.
Terrie, CDA, has enjoyed over two decades of career satisfaction. “I am so glad I took a chance on going to school in this field and chose to become CDA certified. It’s been a great 26 years spent in this profession — a lovely career that I know I will miss when my time comes to retire. I hope more people choose this career.”
Becky, CDA, agrees she’s grateful to have entered the dental assisting profession, and to have pursued DANB certification to take her career to the next level. This path has brought her many professional and personal rewards, plus peace of mind. “My career has helped me financially and kept me grounded,” Becky explains. “Mostly, I’m grateful for the job security, especially through tough times.”
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