Dental Assisting National Board: Everything You Need to Know to be a DANB Certified Dental Assistant
If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you might want to consider becoming DANB-certified. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and credentialing services for dental assistants. Established in 1948, The DANB was recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as the national certification board for dental assistants. This article will explore the DANB and the benefits of becoming certified through their programs.
DANB Certification Programs
The DANB offers several certification programs for dental assistants:
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): This is the most popular and widely recognized certification, accepted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA): For those specializing in orthodontics.
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA): Focuses on preventive dental procedures.
These programs are designed to validate the knowledge and skills of dental assistants and ensure they meet national standards of excellence in dental assisting.
The CDA Program
To earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, candidates need to pass three exams:
- General Chairside Assisting (GC)
- Infection Control (ICE)
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
After passing these exams, you’ll be able to demonstrate your competency to employers and patients, boosting your credibility and career potential.
Benefits of DANB Certification
Becoming a DANB-certified dental assistant has many perks. Here’s why certification can be a game-changer for your career:
- Increased Job Opportunities: Many employers prefer certified dental assistants assuring you meet high national standards of skill and professionalism.
- Higher Earning Potential: Certified dental assistants tend to earn an average of 13% more than non-certified assistants, according to DANB.
Personal and Professional Growth: Certification helps you stand out, showing both patients and colleagues that you’re dedicated to your profession. It also keeps you updated on the latest dental trends, improving patient care and job satisfaction.
DANB Certification Resources
The DANB offers a variety of resources to help dental assistants prepare for and maintain their certification. These resources include exam outlines, study guides, and online practice tests. Additionally, the DANB offers continuing education courses and webinars to help certified dental assistants stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and maintain their certification.
Examples of DANB Courses
The DANB offers several dental assistant courses to give you the knowledge and strategies needed to excel on your exams, including:
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Review Course: Prepares you for the RHS exam, covering topics such as radiation physics, biology, and protection, also providing tips and strategies for passing the exam.
- Infection Control (ICE) Review Course: Preps you for the ICE exam, focusing on sterilization and disinfection techniques, bloodborne pathogens, and OSHA regulations.
- General Chairside (GC) Review Course: Helps you prepare for the GC exam, covering dental anatomy, terminology, instrument identification, and other dental materials.
Recycling Dental Scrap to Cover the Cost of DANB Courses
The cost of DANB courses and certification exams can add up quickly. Fortunately, dental assistants can offset the cost of their DANB certification by recycling dental scrap. Dental scrap, which includes precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum used in restorations and appliances, can be recycled for cash. By recycling dental scrap with a reputable refinery like Core Scientific, dental assistants can earn extra income that can be used to cover the cost of their DANB courses and exams. Plus, dental scrap recycling is an environmentally friendly way to give back while supporting career goals!
Why Core Scientific is the Best Dental Scrap Refinery
Core Scientific is a trusted dental scrap refinery that has been serving the dental industry for over 20 years. As the leader of the industry, we offer the highest returns to our clients, thanks to our state-of-the-art technology and core policy of complete transparency. If you want to make the most of your dental scrap recycling, you can start now by requesting a free container or contacting us to learn more about us.
