Stay informed
Check back here often for the latest news and information relevant to CDA certification.
New CPDA Exam Announced
June 14, 2011
Special CDA Exam Offered in Ohio
For dental assistants who will be attending the Ohio Dental Association (ODA) Annual Session in September, DANB is offering an opportunity to take its Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam at the same time, on Sept. 17, 2011.
Download the CDA Exam Application Packet
Our staff attended the ODA meeting to take classes, so I decided it would be the perfect place to take the CDA exam, Lori Lukachinsky, CDA, says about last year’s ODA Annual Session. When I found out that I passed, I was so happy. I called everyone I could think of.
Although DANB exams are offered across the country year-round, the ODA Annual Session is a great time for dental assistants in Ohio to take DANB’s CDA exam.
The ODA will offer a review course on Ohio certification for dental assistants. The course, titled Certifications for Dental Assistants in Ohio, is taught by Paula Oliver, CDA, CDPMA, CODA.
DANB will also be exhibiting at the ODA Annual Session. If you have questions or want to pick up information on dental assisting certification, visit DANB at booth 824.
Key Dates
Aug., 31, 2011 Deadline to apply for DANB’s CDA Exam at the ODA Annual Session
Sept. 15, 2011 ODA Annual Session begins
Sept. 15, 2011 Certifications for Dental Assistants in Ohio review course offered
Sept. 17, 2011 DANB CDA exam offered
Key Links
Visit DANB’s website for more information
Download DANB’s CDA Application Packet
Register for the ODA Annual Session
Key State Info
In Ohio, DANB’s CDA exam meets state requirements to expose radiographs and is often a requirement to enroll in Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB)-approved expanded functions courses. DANB CDAs are also qualified to enroll in OSDB-approved coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealant courses. For the complete dental assisting requirements in Ohio, visit the State Dental Assisting Requirements page.
April 19, 2011
Become Certified in Preventive Duties
Dental assistants can now earn certification in preventive duties through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). DANB’s newest certification exam, Certified Preventive Dental Assistant (CPDA), is made up of four component exams, covering the important topics of Coronal Polish (CP), Sealants (SE), Topical Anesthetic (TA), and Topical Fluoride (TF).
Download the CPDA application packet
This is an exciting time for dental assistants, and many states are expanding the duties that assistants are allowed to perform. Currently, 35 states allow dental assistants to perform coronal polishing and apply sealants, topical fluoride and topical anesthetic. Dental assistants can stand out in this fast-growing field by earning professional certification.
Kelly Ober, CDA, CPDA, says she earned CPDA certification to advance her career. "It was a great opportunity to earn another dental assisting credential," she notes.
Kelly has been a DANB CDA for more than 20 years, and earning CPDA certification was another milestone. "I felt excited, thrilled and honored," she says. "It is a great asset to my career as a dental assistant."
Karen Johnson, CDA, CPDA, took DANB’s CPDA exam because after 35 years as a dental assistant, she was ready for a new challenge. "The knowledge that I gained during the study process was well worth the time invested," she says.
Since earning CPDA certification, Karen says she is enjoying applying her dental assisting clinical knowledge in new areas. "My value in the office setting has increased tremendously," she notes. "I would recommend this exciting exam to any interested dental assistant."
Visit the State Dental Assistant Requirements page to learn more about state regulations for performing these preventive functions.
Download a CPDA Application Packet
Visit www.danb.org to learn more.
Dec. 15, 2010
DANB CDAs Earn More, According to Salary Survey
DANB’s 2010 Salary Survey shows that DANB CDAs earn about $2 more per hour than non-certified assistants.
DANB CDAs who work full-time report a median salary of $18.73 per hour, which is up $0.73 from 2008. The median salary for full- and part-time DANB CDAs is $18.50 – $2.04 higher than non-certified assistants, who earn $16.46 per hour, according to adjusted figures from a May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey.
"I believe DANB Certification has everything to do with my wage," according to one respondent, who notes she went from making $15 to $19 within the last year. "I believe with the confidence in my knowledge and abilities that I gained from being DANB Certified, I always worked a little harder, pushed a little further, and feel very successful."
Many DANB CDAs share the results of the salary survey with their employers when asking for a raise. "Thanks to your survey I was able to show it to my dentist and get the recognition I deserved," one DANB CDA said.
DANB CDAs tend to stay in the profession longer and have more loyalty toward their employers. According to the survey, DANB CDAs have been in their current positions for an average of 8.7 years and in the profession an average of 15.7 years. DANB CDAs increase office efficiency and often take on additional responsibilities such as infection control; laboratory functions; expanded duties, as allowed in their respective states; and providing in-office training to other staff.
DANB CDAs receive benefits such as 401(k)/pension plan, free dental care, health insurance, reimbursement for CDE, and reimbursement for certification or state registration renewal.
Beyond higher pay, DANB CDAs cited personal benefits to maintaining DANB Certification, including self-gratification, pride, employer recognition, elevating the profession, patient respect for credentials and recognition in the dental community.
In addition, many DANB Certificants strongly believe in the important role DANB Certification plays in patient safety and public protection. "I would like to see more state dental boards require DANB Certification to practice as a dental assistant in the state in which they live," one CDA notes.
Although each state has different requirements for dental assistants, holding DANB Certification demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to the dental profession.
See more results from the survey
May 5, 2010
RHS/ICE Exam Offers Big Savings
Dental assistants can now take DANB’s RHS and ICE exam together and save $100, which is a great deal over taking the exams separately.
Download the RHS/ICE exam application
After passing the RHS/ICE exam, dental assistants earn certificates of competency and are two steps closer to becoming CDAs.
To learn more about DANB exams and certification, visit www.danb.org.