As we’ve discussed in previous articles, proper professional certification can have a positive impact on the dental assistant salary and additionally, it can open up a more broad landscape of career opportunities for an aspiring dental assistant. However, working toward certification as a CDA, or certified dental assistant, begins with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) CDA exam. Understanding the nature of this exam as well as how to properly prepare for it is critical in successfully earning your certification. These exams are currently either recognized or required in 38 U.S. states.

About the DANB CDA Exam

Currently, the DANB exam for Certified Dental Assistants consists of three major components: radiation and health safety (RHS), infection control (IC), and the general chairside (GC) portion of the test. These are actually administered as three separate examinations, therefore it is important to understand the material covered under each module.

The radiation and health safety exam will cover topics relating to a critical component of preparing for a successful career as a dental assistant, radiology and x-ray techniques and safety. At this time, this module consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and will allow the practicing dental assistant to hold certification that allows them to conduct radiological screening of a patient. There are no prerequisites for this module of the CDA exam, so applicants must simply apply to sit for this test.

The infection control exam is the second major component of the CDA examination and is also formatted as 100 multiple-choice questions. Again, no prerequisites are required to apply to sit for this test. As the title implies, this exam will cover health, safety, and laboratory techniques that relate to the prevention of infectious diseases.

The final component of the DANB CDA exam is the general chairside test. To apply for this 120 multiple-choice formatted exam, an applicant must provide supporting documentation that they have completed one of the three “eligibility pathways”. Currently, these three eligibility pathways are as follows:

• Graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation approved dental assisting program and a current CPR certification from a DANB approved provider
• A high school diploma or the equivalent, 3,500 working experience hours as a dental assistant within the previous two years for full-time employees and four years for part-time employees, and a current CPR certification from a DANB approved provider
• Proof of status as a current or former DANB Certified Dental Assistant along with a current CPR certification from a DANB approved provider

Preparing for the Exam

Once you have attained eligibility to apply for the entire CDA exam, you can begin to prepare for the test. Currently, DANB offers a number of excellent study guides for the test through their web site. These can be downloaded and use to develop a framework for your studies leading up to the exam. You may also want to research and consider a number of the available third-party test preparation packages which often include a number of multimedia materials which can aid in reinforcing the topics which will be covered on the exam.

If you’re serious about making the most of your career as a dental assistant and earning the best dental assistant salary possible, consider professional certification through the DANB even if your state does not require it.

While many employers and states do not require dental assistant to hold professional certification, there are many reasons to hold this important credential not the least of which is an increase in the average dental assistant salary.

Currently, state requirements for dental assistants fall into three categories:

• States which allow dental assistants to perform any and all duties without certification
• States which require certification to conduct specific procedures within a dental practice, most notably radiological testing and x-rays
• States which provide specific guidelines for all dental assistants relating to certification and renewal

Regardless of the state in which you reside or plan to practice, there are many arguments for obtaining certification as a dental assistant. For some educational programs, this will be the final step in successfully completing the required curriculum as some of the course material will require certification, however, this is not always the case. If you plan to attend a dental assistant program, find out if they are accredited and offer assistance in obtaining certification as a dental assistant.

Why to Become a Certified Dental Assistant

Higher Dental Assistant Salary: One of the most obvious reasons to sit for the certification exam is the impact which it can have on the median dental assistant salary. While holding certification itself may not garner a higher wage, it will allow for expanded job duties and responsibilities which can command higher pay.

Employment Opportunities: Additionally, many dental practices will only hire dental assistants who hold professional certification. This ensures that their staff members have achieved a qualified level of professional training and will be able to offer a high quality of care to the patients within their practice.

Career Advancement: Lastly, career advancement opportunities for the dental assistant tend to be much more prevalent for those individuals with professional certification. To hold many supervisory positions, certification is required. Once you have several years of work experience on your resume, you may also consider instructional positions with a community college, vocational school, or online degree provider. These positions will nearly always require the candidate to hold professional licensing as a dental assistant.

As you can see. there are many reasons to obtain certification within this exciting field in addition to its effects on the dental assistant salary. If you are currently enrolled in a dental assisting certificate program, or perhaps are already working in the field, consider enrolling for dental assistant certification. It can have many positive impacts on your career as a dental assistant.

Are you looking into switching careers and really like the dental assistant salary? If you are considering obtaining training in this field, you will need to learn what is required in terms of licensure and certification. Almost every state regulates the duties of a dental assistant, dictating what they may and may not do legally. Some require that a dental assistant go further and register in order to perform either radiological procedures or other functions. In order to become licensed you may need to attend a dental assisting program which has been accredited and pass a written and/or practical exam.

In addition to the above requirements, many states will require you to take continuing education courses in order to remain registered or licensed. Some states though will allow you to perform any function that has been delegated by the dentist. In order to determine what the requirements are for your state, you should contact the State board in charge of regulating this profession to see what is required for you.

Many choose to obtain their credentials through the Dental Assisting National Board. This certification, known as the Certified Dental Assistant, is a program that 37 states require or recognize. In order to take the DANB certification exam, you must graduate from either a Commission on Dental Accreditation training program or have the equivalent experience which is four years of part-time experience or two years full-time. Furthermore, anyone wishing to take this exam must also be currently certified in CPR. Continuing education credits must be obtained annually to maintain this certification. You may choose to take another training course offered by the state, but this choice is up to you.

Each state has their own standards in terms of certification and licensure which explains why the dental assistant salary can vary greatly. If you choose to obtain additional training in order to handle radiological procedures, your salary will go up as a result. A radiology course may be required by certain states also. Twelve other states do not have formal requirements in order to perform these procedures. Check before you sign up with any program to ensure it meets the requirements of your state.

If you’re interested in learning more about your state’s licensure and certification requirements for earning a dental assistant salary, visit the Dental Assisting National Board.

Dental assistants perform a variety of important tasks which are paramount to the daily operation of a dental office and the dental assistant salary can be very competitive. They are a dentist’s extra set of hands while the dentist is focusing on the patient’s dental procedure. The dental assistant prepares and coordinates the instruments, patient’s records, and is responsible for the education of the patient about pre and post-operative oral hygiene, amongst other various dental health duties. The dental assistant salary can be a very attractive reason to enter the field and the growth opportunities are broad.

Some of the dental assistant’s daily responsibilities include caring for the equipment that is used for patient care and working directly with the patients by making them feel more comfortable before their appointment. They also obtain and update the patient’s medical record. Dental assistants help dentists by preparing and handing them the correct materials or instruments during a procedure. As you can see, they are vital to a dentist’s office. The dental assistant salary varies depending on the geographical area and experience, however, the mid range salary was a little over $32,000 annually in 2009.

Some assistants have lab permissions, depending on their training, where they make makes casts of teeth from dental impressions, or make temporary crowns. Many dental assistants, as directing by the dentist, perform dental X rays as well. Knowledge of the machines, materials, and instruments used in the dental field and the proper handling and caring of them is taught during their training to prepare them for their dental support role. Starting on the path to earning a dental assistant salary begins with a love for the medical field and the proper training. They also have many opportunities to grow in the field with additional certifications and schooling.

The dental assistant salary typically starts at approximately $12.00 an hour for a recent graduate and it can exceed $20.00 an hour with sustained experience or additional training. Many assistants enjoy weekends off and traditional Monday through Friday day-time work hours. The work environment is a clean and comfortable office and lab. They must also protect themselves from possible infectious diseases when working with a patient by wearing gloves, masks and protective clothing. The dental assistant is frequently situated in a chair in close proximity to the dentist and the patient. The assistant helps the dentist with the necessary tasks that are required during the visit.

If you’re interested in an exciting career in this field and the opportunity to earn a dental assistant salary, feel free to browse our resources to learn more. Also, here is a great video detailing more about what’s involved in becoming a dental assistant: