Keeping your sights on your career goals

The summer months tend to fly by. It can be easy to let professional development opportunities fall to the backburner as we manage the hectic schedules of jobs, vacations, and family get-togethers. As the summer starts to wind down and we head into the fall, try to keep your career goals in your sights!

Whether your professional goals include taking on more duties in the dental office, pursuing continuing education, or earning Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) certification, DANB and the DALE Foundation have resources to help you achieve them:

Set yourself apart with national certification
DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required by 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to helping you meet state dental assisting requirements, holding DANB certification helps you stand out in the job market and demonstrates your professionalism to your employer. To learn more about earning DANB certification and how to prepare, visit the Become Certified section of DANB’s website to download an application packet or see the Prepare for DANB Exams section.

Take the next step on the career ladder
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants. If you’re looking to take on more duties or perform additional functions, you’ll want to see the education, exam, and experience requirements that are required. To learn more, visit the Search-by-State map on DANB’s website. Here, you will be able to review the job titles in each state, the requirements at each level, and download the allowable and prohibited duties.

Never stop learning
When it comes to achieving your career goals, continuing education (CE) is key to getting you there. Whether your goal is to earn or maintain DANB certification, advance up the career ladder, or move into a different role in the office, education is key. If you’re looking for a convenient way to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, the DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, may be the answer. The DALE Foundation offers several interactive online courses on a variety of topics. These courses can help you to earn CE at home or prepare for DANB certification. To learn more, visit the DALE Foundation’s product catalog.

Visit danb.org and dalefoundation.org to learn more about how DANB and the DALE Foundation can help you take the next steps toward successfully expanding your career.

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