How to Become a Dental Assistant

Last Updated on 02/13/2525 at 4:34am

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)

The Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certification is designed for dental assistants specializing in orthodontics.
This credential validates expertise in orthodontic procedures, patient care, and infection control practices. To earn the COA, candidates must pass two required exams.

COA Certification Requirements

To qualify for the COA certification, candidates must successfully complete the following:

  • Orthodontic Assisting (OA) Exam – Covers orthodontic assisting techniques, equipment use, and best practices.
  • Infection Control (ICE) Exam – Focuses on infection prevention and compliance with sterilization protocols.

Candidates must pass both exams within a five-year period to earn the COA certification.

COA Exam Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the four eligibility pathways to take the OA exam:

Pathway I

  • Current or former Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential holder OR hold a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license.
  • Two to four years of orthodontic assisting work experience, verified by a licensed orthodontist or dentist.
  • Documentation Required:
    • Employer Work Experience Statement (WES), signed by a licensed orthodontist or dentist.
    • Certification number for CDA holders OR copy of current RDH license (except Alabama).

Pathway II

  • Two to four years of orthodontic assisting work experience, verified by a licensed orthodontist or dentist.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Documentation Required:
    • Employer Work Experience Statement (WES), signed by a licensed orthodontist or dentist.
    • Proof of high school graduation (diploma, GED certificate, or transcript).

Pathway III

  • Current CDA credential holder.
  • Completion of an orthodontic assisting preparation course at a CODA-accredited dental assisting program.
  • Documentation Required:
    • CDA certification number.
    • Proof of completion of an orthodontic assisting preparation course.

Pathway IV

  • Former COA certificant OR graduate of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program.
  • Documentation Required:
    • COA certification number (if previously certified) OR proof of D.D.S./D.M.D. degree.

COA Certification Maintenance

Once certified, dental assistants must renew their COA credential annually. Renewal requirements include:

  • Continuing education (CE) credits.
  • Maintaining current DANB-accepted hands-on CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification.
  • Adherence to professional conduct and renewal policies.

How to Apply

Applicants can submit their COA certification application online or via mail, including all required documentation and fees.
Once approved, candidates receive instructions to schedule their exam within a 60-day testing window.

 

Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)

The Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) certification is designed to validate expertise in preventive dental care, focusing on coronal polishing, sealant application, and fluoride treatment. This credential is recognized in multiple states as a requirement for dental assistant licensure.

To earn the CPFDA certification, candidates must successfully pass three distinct exams that assess their competence in these key preventive functions:

  • Coronal Polishing (CP) – Demonstrates proficiency in removing plaque and stains from the enamel surface.
  • Sealants (SE) – Evaluates knowledge and skills in applying dental sealants to prevent cavities.
  • Topical Fluoride (TF) – Assesses the ability to apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce decay.

Candidates have up to three years to complete all three exams. Once all components are passed, DANB provides an application packet for certification, which requires verification of eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CPFDA certification, candidates must meet the criteria outlined in one of the following pathways:

Pathway I – Current CDA Certificant

  • Hold an active Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification.
  • Provide proof of training in coronal polishing, sealants, and fluoride application through one of the following:
    • A certificate, diploma, or transcript from a CODA-accredited program.
    • State dental board-approved coursework.
    • A signed Dentist Verification of Competency form.

Pathway II – Graduate of a CODA-Accredited Program

  • Completion of a dental assisting, dental hygiene, or dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • Verification of competency in preventive functions through approved coursework or a signed Dentist Verification of Competency form.

Pathway III – Former CDA Certificant

  • Previously held a CDA certification (expired within the last two years).
  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of work experience as a dental assistant within the last four years.
  • Verification of competency through coursework or a Dentist Verification of Competency form.

Pathway IV – Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

  • Hold a valid RDH license (excluding Alabama).
  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of work experience in the last four years.

Additional Certification Requirements

All candidates pursuing CPFDA certification must hold a current hands-on CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from an approved provider, such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

Exam Process and Scheduling

  • Applications for CPFDA exams are accepted through  December of any given calendar year.
  • Once an application is approved, candidates receive an email with instructions to schedule their exam within a 60-day window.
  • Exams can be scheduled at a Pearson VUE testing center or through online proctoring.
  • Rescheduling is allowed up to 24 hours before an in-person exam or before the start time of an online proctored exam.

Missed Exams and Refund Policy

  • If an exam is missed due to non-emergency reasons, candidates may reschedule for a reduced fee within 60 days.
  • In the case of a documented emergency, DANB may grant a new 60-day testing window at no additional cost.
  • Partial refunds are available if a cancellation request is submitted before the exam window expires.

Maintaining CPFDA Certification

Once certified, CPFDA holders must renew their credentials annually by meeting DANB’s continuing education and renewal requirements.

 

Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)

The Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certification is designed for dental assistants who perform restorative functions, including impressions, temporary restorations, sealant application, and restorative procedures. This certification validates a dental assistant's expertise in these areas and is recognized in multiple states.

To earn the CRFDA certification, candidates must pass four exams that assess their knowledge and skills in restorative dentistry:

  • Impressions (IM) – Tests proficiency in taking accurate dental impressions for various procedures.
  • Temporaries (TMP) – Evaluates the ability to fabricate and place temporary restorations.
  • Sealants (SE) – Measures knowledge of proper techniques for applying dental sealants.
  • Restorative Functions (RF) – Assesses competence in performing direct restorative procedures under supervision.

Candidates must complete all four exams within three years to be eligible for certification. Once all exams are passed, DANB provides an application packet for certification, requiring verification of eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CRFDA certification, candidates must meet the criteria outlined in one of the following pathways:

Pathway I – Current or Former CDA Certificant

  • Hold an active or recently expired (within the last two years) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification.
  • Provide a valid certification number.

Pathway II – Graduate of a CODA-Accredited Program or Registered Dental Hygienist

  • Completion of a dental assisting or hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), OR
  • Hold a current Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license (except Alabama).
  • Submit a diploma, transcript, or a letter from the program director verifying completion.

Pathway III – Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) or Restorative Course Completion

  • Successful completion of an EFDA or restorative course.
  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of dental assisting work experience in the past two to four years.
  • Work experience must be verified by a licensed dentist.
  • Submit a completed Employer Work Experience Statement form.

Additional Certification Requirements

All CRFDA candidates must hold a current hands-on CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification from an approved provider, such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

Exam Process and Scheduling

  • Applications for CRFDA exams are accepted through December of any given calendar year.
  • Upon application approval, candidates receive an email with instructions to schedule their exam within a 60-day window.
  • Exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers or through online proctoring.
  • Rescheduling is permitted up to 24 hours before an in-person exam or before the start of an online proctored exam.

Missed Exams and Refund Policy

  • If an exam is missed for non-emergency reasons, candidates may reschedule for a reduced fee within 60 days.
  • For documented emergencies, DANB may issue a new 60-day testing window at no additional cost.
  • Partial refunds are available for candidates who cancel their exam before their testing window expires.

Maintaining CRFDA Certification

After earning CRFDA certification, professionals must renew it annually by fulfilling DANB’s continuing education and renewal requirements.

 

Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC)

The Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) certification is designed for dental professionals who specialize in infection prevention within dental settings. This certification validates a candidate's ability to implement infection control measures following industry standards and regulations.

To earn the CDIPC certification, candidates must successfully pass the CDIPC exam, which evaluates their expertise in infection control protocols, regulatory compliance, and best practices.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CDIPC exam, candidates must meet the criteria outlined in one of the following pathways:

Pathway I – Education and Work Experience

Candidates must fulfill both an education requirement and a work experience requirement:

Education Options (Select One)
  • Pass the DANB Infection Control (ICE) exam within the last five years.
  • Hold a current DANB certification such as Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA), or National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA).
  • Hold a current Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) certification.
  • Complete the following two-step education requirement:
    1. Earn the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate.
    2. Complete one of the following approved education programs:
      • The DALE Foundation’s DANB ICE Review course.
      • From Policy to Practice: ADS’s Guide to the CDC Guidelines.
      • ADS’s OSHA & CDC Guidelines: ADS Interact Training System.
      • ADS’s Dental Infection Control Boot Camp.
      • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental laboratory technology program.
      • Hold an associate degree or higher in a dental, healthcare, life sciences, or applied life sciences field.
Work Experience Requirement

Candidates must have at least 1,040 hours of work experience in a dental setting within the last three years, applying infection control guidelines such as:

  • CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings (2003).
  • CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (2016).
  • OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Work experience must be in a role such as:

  • Dental assistant or dental hygienist.
  • Dentist or dental office manager.
  • Dental educator or consultant.
  • Dental inspector or investigator.

Candidates must self-attest to their work experience during the online application process. If audited, additional employer verification may be required.

Pathway II – Certification and Education

Candidates must hold one of the following certifications and meet an education requirement.

Certification Options (Select One)
  • Certified Registered Central Services Technician (CRCST) from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).
  • Certified in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
Education Options

Candidates must meet the following two-step education requirement:

  • Earn the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate.
  • Complete one of the following approved education programs:
    • The DALE Foundation’s DANB ICE Review course.
    • From Policy to Practice: ADS’s Guide to the CDC Guidelines.
    • ADS’s OSHA & CDC Guidelines: ADS Interact Training System.
    • ADS’s Dental Infection Control Boot Camp.
    • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental laboratory technology program.
    • Hold a life sciences, applied life sciences, or healthcare-related degree (associate, bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate).

Accepted Degrees for CDIPC Eligibility

The following fields of study are accepted for the CDIPC certification pathways:

Oral Healthcare Degrees
  • Dental assisting (must be an associate degree or higher).
  • Dental hygiene.
  • Dental therapy.
  • Community Dental Health Coordinator.
Other Professional Healthcare Degrees
  • Medicine.
  • Nursing.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Physician assistant.
Life Sciences and Applied Life Sciences Degrees
  • Anatomy.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Biology.
  • Cell biology.
  • Environmental health.
  • Genetics.
  • Microbiology.
  • Neuroscience.
  • Pharmacology.
  • Physiology.

Exam Process and Scheduling

  • Applications for the CDIPC exam are accepted usually by December of a calendar year.
  • Once an application is approved, candidates receive an email with instructions to schedule their exam within a 60-day window.
  • Exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers or through online proctoring.
  • Rescheduling is permitted up to 24 hours before an in-person exam or before the start of an online proctored exam.

Missed Exams and Refund Policy

  • If an exam is missed for non-emergency reasons, candidates may reschedule for a reduced fee within 60 days.
  • For documented emergencies, DANB may grant a new 60-day testing window at no additional cost.
  • Partial refunds are available for candidates who cancel their exam before their testing window expires.

Maintaining CDIPC Certification

CDIPC certification must be renewed annually. Candidates must meet continuing education and renewal requirements as outlined by DANB.

 

Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC)

The Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) certification is specifically designed for non-clinical dental professionals, such as sales representatives, dental office managers, and product specialists. Developed by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), this certification provides specialized knowledge in dental infection prevention without requiring direct patient care.

To earn the DISIPC certification, candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive exam that assesses their understanding of infection control principles, regulatory compliance, and best practices in the dental industry.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the DISIPC exam, candidates must meet the requirements outlined in one of the following pathways:

Pathway I – Education and Work Experience

Candidates must fulfill both an education requirement and a work experience requirement.

Education Requirements (Select One)
  • Earn the Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate.
  • Complete one of the following approved education programs:
    • The DALE Foundation’s DANB ICE Review Course.
    • From Policy to Practice: ADS’s Guide to the CDC Guidelines.
    • ADS’s OSHA & CDC Guidelines: ADS Interact Training System.
    • ADS’s Dental Infection Control Boot Camp.
    • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental laboratory technology program.
    • Hold an associate degree or higher in a healthcare, life sciences, or applied life sciences field.
Work Experience Requirement

Candidates must have a minimum of 1,040 hours of work experience in a relevant role within the last three years, such as:

  • Dental office manager.
  • Sales or customer service representative, service technician, or other professional involved in manufacturing or distributing dental products.
  • Dental inspector or investigator.

Candidates must self-attest to their work experience during the online application process. If audited, additional employer verification may be required.

Pathway II – Certification

Candidates who hold the Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) certification automatically qualify to take the DISIPC exam.

Accepted Degrees for DISIPC Eligibility

The following fields of study are accepted for the DISIPC certification pathways:

Oral Healthcare Degrees
  • Dental assisting (must be an associate degree or higher).
  • Dental hygiene.
  • Dental therapy.
  • Community Dental Health Coordinator.
Other Professional Healthcare Degrees
  • Medicine.
  • Nursing.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Physician assistant.
Life Sciences and Applied Life Sciences Degrees
  • Anatomy.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Biology.
  • Cell biology.
  • Environmental health.
  • Genetics.
  • Microbiology.
  • Neuroscience.
  • Pharmacology.
  • Physiology.

Exam Process and Scheduling

  • Applications for the DISIPC exam are accepted through December of any given calendar year.
  • Once an application is approved, candidates receive an email with instructions to schedule their exam within a 60-day window.
  • Exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers or through online proctoring.
  • Rescheduling is permitted up to 24 hours before an in-person exam or before the start of an online proctored exam.

Missed Exams and Refund Policy

  • If an exam is missed for non-emergency reasons, candidates may reschedule for a reduced fee within 60 days.
  • For documented emergencies, DANB may grant a new 60-day testing window at no additional cost.
  • Partial refunds are available for candidates who cancel their exam before their testing window expires.

Maintaining DISIPC Certification

Once earned, the DISIPC certification must be renewed annually by meeting DANB’s continuing education and renewal requirements.

 

Contact Information for Dental Assisting National Board

For additional information on CRFDA certification, eligibility requirements, and exam policies, contact DANB:

Website: www.danb.org
Email: danbmail@danb.org
Phone: 1-800-367-3262
Address: 444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611