3 ways DANB certification benefits the dental practice
Dentists, office managers, and practice owners are always looking for ways to bring value to the dental practice. One way employers can boost office productivity is to ensure the dental team possesses up-to-date knowledge and works to the best of their ability.
DANB regularly conducts a Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey, and the results show that when dental assistants hold Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, the entire dental practice benefits. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Loyalty
Dental assistants who hold DANB certification report higher job satisfaction (65% say they're "satisfied" or "very satisfied) versus those who are not certified (55%). CDAs also reported being with their current employer for an average of more than 10 years, compared to just 2.9 years for non-certified assistants. This loyalty translates into reduced turnover, which not only means cost savings for your practice but also a more consistent experience for your patients and better patient retention.
DANB's Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice report further illustrates this. The results reveal the benefits of raising wages as a retention strategy. Increasing dental assistant pay by 15% can improve retention while offsetting turnover costs and potential revenue loss.
2. Commitment
Certification often goes hand-in-hand with professional commitment. More than 80% of dental assistants who hold CDA certification have been in the profession for more than five years, and 70% have been in the field for at least 10 years.
Among non-certified dental assistants, 29% have been in the field for five or more years and just 18% have been in the profession for over a decade. Additionally, 72% of CDAs view dental assisting as a career, not just a job (versus 69% of dental assistants who are not certified).
3. Productivity
CDAs are more likely to perform key duties around the dental office than non-certified certificants. DANB's survey found that 52% of CDAs serve as lead dental assistants in their practices, compared to just 33% of non-certified assistants. CDAs are also more likely to be entrusted to train other dental assistants. In states that have expanded function levels for dental assistants, DANB certification may be required. Therefore, dental assistants who hold CDA certification may contribute more to office productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
What Dentists Are Saying
Many dentists have sung the praises of their Certified Dental Assistants, noting their dedication and hard work.
“Rebecca is an extremely motivated individual. She has great attention to detail, the ability to organize and a talent for teaching other assistants.” — Dr. Andrew C.
“Elizabeth epitomizes the qualities one looks for in a dental assistant. She is passionate, knowledgeable and does everything she can for our patients to make them comfortable.” — Dr. Joseph G.
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