This year, the Dental Assisting National Board Inc. (DANB) is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. Earning and maintaining DANB certification has long been a great source of pride and a sign of commitment to lifelong learning among dental assistants.
But do you know the history of DANB certification? In 1948, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) identified the need for certification and founded the Certifying Board of the ADAA.
In 1978, the Certifying Board became incorporated as an organization separate from the ADAA. Then, in 1980, the Certifying Board changed its name to the Dental Assisting National Board Inc. (DANB).
Today, DANB offers five national certifications:
• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)
• Certified Dental Assistant™ (CDA)
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)
Earning DANB certification is one of the most important steps you can take in your career. DANB’s exams and certifications are recognized or required by 39 states, the District of Columbia, the US Air Force, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many dental assistants say that earning DANB certification has helped them take charge of their personal and professional growth.
“As a DANB certificant, you receive respect and recognition from employers, peers, and the public by demonstrating dedication to oral health care and to your career,” said Cynthia C. Durley, M.Ed., MBA, Executive Director of DANB and the DALE Foundation, the official affiliate of DANB. “Earning and maintaining DANB certification shows a personal and professional commitment to growth and enhances your contribution to the dental team.”
There are many benefits of CDA certification, such as increased knowledge, professional distinction, personal pride, and more.
“I am incredibly proud of the fact that I am CDA certified, and that I was able to pass the DANB CDA exam,” said Meagan Morton, CDA. “That takes hard work and dedication.”
Earning CDA certification is known to boost dental assistants’ confidence as well. “Becoming a CDA certificant increased my confidence as a dental professional and helped to boost my pride in the profession of dental assisting,” said Amanda Reddington, CDA.
Now that’s something to celebrate!
Celebrating certification
In honor of the 70th anniversary of CDA certification, DANB, the DALE Foundation, ADAA, and IgniteDA invite you to attend a special reception in Boston on January 26. Learn more or RSVP here!
Special offer!
The DALE Foundation is also celebrating by offering $5 off any DANB exam practice test through the end of January. See the offer here!
If you haven’t yet become DANB certified, now is a great time to get started. For more information about DANB certification, visit danb.org.
