How to Become a Dental Assistant

Last Updated on 02/07/2525 at 9:21pm

How to Become a Dental Assistant

 

Table of Contents

 

National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) Certification

DANB’s National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is designed for individuals starting their dental assisting careers. This entry-level credential validates foundational knowledge and skills, setting the stage for further certifications such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Eligibility Requirements

To earn NELDA certification, candidates must pass three component exams and meet specific educational or work experience requirements. The three required exams are:

  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
  • Infection Control (ICE)
  • Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP)

Candidates can qualify through one of the following pathways:

  • Graduation from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • High school graduation (or equivalent) and at least 300 hours of work experience in a dental setting.
  • Completion of a state dental assisting program with at least one year of high school dental assisting coursework.

Application Process

Applicants must submit proof of eligibility, complete an online application, and pay the exam fees. Testing is conducted at designated proctored exam centers.

Benefits of NELDA Certification

  • Enhances employment opportunities in entry-level dental assisting roles.
  • Establishes a strong foundation for further certification and career advancement.
  • Recognized by many dental offices and state regulatory agencies.

 

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Certification

The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), is one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the dental industry. With more than 35,000 dental assistants holding this certification nationwide, it demonstrates a high level of knowledge and competence in the field.

Eligibility Pathways

To earn CDA certification, candidates must pass three required exams:

  • General Chairside Assisting (GC)
  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
  • Infection Control (ICE)

Candidates can qualify for the CDA exam through various pathways:

  • Pathway 1: Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
  • Pathway 2: Completion of a minimum of 3,500 hours of approved dental assisting work experience.
  • Pathway 3: Holding an active DANB NELDA certification.

Exam Format and Application Process

The CDA certification is made up of three component exams, which can be taken separately or in a combination. The application process involves:

  • Submitting proof of eligibility (education or work experience).
  • Providing required documentation, such as transcripts or employer verification.
  • Scheduling and completing the exams at an approved testing center.

Benefits of CDA Certification

Earning a CDA certification offers several advantages:

  • Increased job opportunities and earning potential.
  • Recognition by state dental boards for meeting key competency standards.
  • Higher credibility in the dental assisting profession.
  • Expanded career growth opportunities within the dental field.

Maintaining Certification

The CDA certification is valid for one year and requires annual renewal. To maintain certification, dental assistants must:

  • Complete 12 continuing education (CE) credits each year.
  • Maintain compliance with DANB’s policies and professional conduct standards.
  • Submit an annual renewal application and fee.

 

Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) Certification

The Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), is a national certification demonstrating advanced proficiency in orthodontic assisting and infection control.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the COA certification, candidates must pass both the Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and Infection Control (ICE) exams within a five-year period. Candidates can qualify through one of four pathways:

  1. Pathway I – Current/former CDA certification or Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) with 2–4 years of orthodontic assisting experience.
  2. Pathway II – High school diploma/GED and 2–4 years of orthodontic assisting experience.
  3. Pathway III – Current CDA certification and completion of an orthodontic assisting program.
  4. Pathway IV – Former COA certificant or graduate of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program.

Required Documentation

  • Employer Work Experience Statement (WES) signed by a licensed dentist or orthodontist.
  • Proof of education/certification, depending on the chosen pathway.
  • Current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from a DANB-approved provider.

Exam and Renewal

  • The COA exam includes two parts: the Orthodontic Assisting (OA) exam and the Infection Control (ICE) exam.
  • Annual renewal is required to maintain certification status.

 

Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)

The Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), certifies proficiency in preventive dental procedures, including:

  • Coronal Polishing (CP)
  • Sealants (SE)
  • Topical Fluoride (TF)

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must pass all three CPFDA component exams within three years. Certification pathways include:

  • Pathway I: Current CDA certification and verification of knowledge/performance-based competency.
  • Pathway II: Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental program and verification of competency.
  • Pathway III: Former CDA certificant (lapsed < 2 years) with 3,500 hours of dental assisting experience.
  • Pathway IV: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) with 3,500 hours of dental assisting experience.

Required Documentation

  • Proof of education or certification (CDA or CODA-accredited program completion).
  • Verification of knowledge/performance-based competency (course certificate or dentist-signed verification form).
  • Current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from a DANB-approved provider.

Exam and Renewal

The CPFDA certification requires passing three exams covering coronal polishing, sealants, and topical fluoride. Once earned, certification must be renewed annually.

 

Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)

The Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), demonstrates advanced proficiency in restorative dental procedures, including:

  • Impressions (IM)
  • Temporaries (TMP)
  • Sealants (SE)
  • Restorative Functions (RF)

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must pass all four CRFDA component exams within a three-year period. Certification pathways include:

  • Pathway I: Current or former CDA certificant (lapsed < 2 years).
  • Pathway II: Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental assisting or hygiene program or a current Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
  • Pathway III: Completion of an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) or restorative course with 3,500 hours of dental assisting experience.

Required Documentation

  • Proof of education or certification (CDA, CODA-accredited program, or RDH license).
  • Employer Work Experience Statement (if applicable).
  • Verification of restorative functions competency (if required for the pathway).
  • Current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from a DANB-approved provider.

Exam and Renewal

The CRFDA certification requires passing four exams covering impressions, temporaries, sealants, and restorative functions. Once earned, certification must be renewed annually.

 

Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC)

The Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), validates expertise in infection prevention and control within dental settings. This certification demonstrates a professional's ability to apply U.S. federal infection control guidelines and standards.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must pass the CDIPC exam and qualify through one of the following pathways:

  • Pathway I: Education and work experience, including passing DANB’s Infection Control (ICE) exam or holding a related certification, along with at least 1,040 hours of experience applying infection control standards.
  • Pathway II: Holding a certification from recognized infection control organizations (e.g., CIC, CRCST, CSPDT) and completing required education in infection control.

Accepted Education & Experience

Candidates must fulfill one of the following education criteria:

  • Completion of an approved infection control course (e.g., DALE Foundation's ICE Review, CDC guidelines training).
  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or laboratory technology program.
  • Holding a degree in a healthcare, life sciences, or applied sciences field (e.g., biology, microbiology, epidemiology).

Additionally, 1,040 hours of work experience in dental infection prevention and control within the past three years is required for eligibility.

Required Documentation

  • Proof of education or certification (transcripts, certificates, or diploma copies).
  • Verification of work experience via self-attestation (subject to audit).
  • Current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from a DANB-approved provider.

Exam and Renewal

The CDIPC exam evaluates knowledge of infection prevention best practices, compliance with OSHA and CDC standards, and risk management in dental settings. Once earned, certification must be renewed annually.

 

Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC)

The Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), validates expertise in infection prevention protocols within the dental industry. It is designed for professionals involved in dental product manufacturing, distribution, sales, and infection control compliance.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must pass the DISIPC exam and qualify through one of the following pathways:

  • Pathway I: Education and work experience, including completion of an approved infection control course and at least 1,040 hours of experience in dental industry roles such as sales, service, or compliance.
  • Pathway II: Holding the Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) certification.

Accepted Education & Experience

Candidates must fulfill one of the following education criteria:

  • Completion of an approved infection control course (e.g., DALE Foundation's ICE Review, CDC guidelines training).
  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or laboratory technology program.
  • Holding a degree in a healthcare, life sciences, or applied sciences field (e.g., biology, microbiology, epidemiology).

Additionally, 1,040 hours of work experience in the dental industry in roles such as:

  • Dental office management
  • Sales or customer service representative in dental product manufacturing
  • Dental compliance inspector or investigator

Required Documentation

  • Proof of education or certification (transcripts, certificates, or diploma copies).
  • Verification of work experience via self-attestation (subject to audit).

Exam and Renewal

The DISIPC exam evaluates knowledge of infection prevention best practices, regulatory compliance, and risk management in dental product manufacturing and sales. Once earned, certification must be renewed annually.