%{[ data-embed-type='image' data-embed-id='5cd58478f6d5f267eeb9051e' data-embed-element='aside' ]}%
%{[ data-embed-type='image' data-embed-id='5cd58478f6d5f267eeb9051e' data-embed-element='aside' ]}%
%{[ data-embed-type='image' data-embed-id='5cd58478f6d5f267eeb9051e' data-embed-element='aside' ]}%
%{[ data-embed-type='image' data-embed-id='5cd58478f6d5f267eeb9051e' data-embed-element='aside' ]}%
%{[ data-embed-type='image' data-embed-id='5cd58478f6d5f267eeb9051e' data-embed-element='aside' ]}%

DANB’s certification ladder

March 18, 2015
DANB’s certification ladder offers opportunities for dental assistants at every stage of their careers. Read on to learn more.

The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) offers certification opportunities for dental assistants at every stage of their careers. There are currently four national DANB certifications available – with a fifth certification coming soon!

• DANB’s National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDATM) certification is the newest certification to be offered. This certification is intended for dental assistants who are just starting out in their careers and are not yet eligible for DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. More information about DANB’s NELDA certification will be available this spring!

• DANB’s Certified Dental AssistantTM (CDA®) certification is made up of three component exams: General Chairside Assisting (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE). Dental assistants may be eligible to earn CDA certification if they have met certain education or experience requirements. There are currently more than 35,000 CDA certificants nationwide.

• DANB’s Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA®) certification is made up of two component exams: Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and Infection Control (ICE). There are more than 1,400 COA certificants in the U.S.

• DANB’s Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA®) certification is made up of four component exams that focus on preventive functions, including Coronal Polish, Sealants, Topical Fluoride and Topical Anesthetic. There are no requirements to take the component exams, but certain eligibility requirements must be met to earn CPFDA certification. To date, there are CPFDA certificants working in more than 40 states across the country.

• DANB’s Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA®) certification consists of six component exams, which cover important restorative duties: Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology; Isolation; Impressions; Temporaries; Sealants; and Restorative Functions. DANB’s CRFDA certification program was introduced in 2013 and so far, certificants in more than 30 different states have earned the credential.

DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required in 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Greater earning power, career advancement, and job mobility are just a few of the benefits of earning DANB certification.

To learn more about DANB certification and how it can advance your career, visit DANB’s website at www.danb.org, or check out the Exams and Certifications page.