Aspen Dental and DANB recognize excellence in dental assisting with new Aspen Award
Aspen Dental, in partnership with the Dental Assisting National Board, is introducing the Aspen Award for Excellence in Dental Assisting. The award recognizes dental assistants at Aspen Dental who have earned DANB certification and demonstrated professional excellence, leadership, dedication to patient care, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
This is the first Aspen Award for dental assistants and represents the next evolution in the partnership between Aspen Dental and DANB. Since 2022, Aspen Dental has worked with DANB to provide dental assistants the opportunity to earn DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) certificates and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification.
“Certification is one of the clearest paths to clinical excellence and career advancement for dental assistants,” said Amber Musser, Director of Dental Assistant Support at Aspen Dental. “Supporting our team in earning these credentials reflects our broader commitment to professional growth and a strong culture across the network.”
“Dental assistants deserve meaningful opportunities to grow professionally and advance their careers,” said Atia Black, DANB Director of Business Development. “We’re proud that our work with Aspen Dental continues to expand access to certification and recognize those who exemplify excellence and lifelong learning.”
The Aspen Award for Excellence in Dental Assisting, in partnership with DANB, further strengthens Aspen Dental’s commitment to its dental assistants by recognizing and celebrating those who have embraced these opportunities and demonstrated exceptional dedication to their profession.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must:
Be employed with Aspen Dental for at least one year
Be in good employment standing
Have either earned DANB’s CDA certification or have earned DANB’s RHS and ICE certificates and be on track to earn CDA certification by Dec. 1, 2026
Aspen Dental will select a national award winner, plus the first and second runner up. Award recipients will be announced in the first quarter of 2027.
Related: DANB partners with Aspen Dental
About DANB
DANB is recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certifying board for dental assistants. DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required by 38 states and the District of Columbia.
About Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental-branded practices are committed to breaking down barriers to oral healthcare and helping patients put themselves first, starting with a healthy mouth. With nearly 1,100 offices across the United States, Aspen Dental practices offer comprehensive care and are supported by dedicated teams focused on making dental care more accessible and affordable. Through initiatives such as the Healthy Mouth Movement and Day of Service, Aspen Dental and its network continue to expand access to care for those who need it most. For more information, visit aspendental.com, and follow Aspen Dental on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.