How hard is the DANB ice exam?
How hard is the DANB ice exam?
The DANB ICE exam (Infection Control Exam) isn’t considered the hardest part of dental assisting certification, but it does require serious preparation. Here’s a breakdown of how challenging it is and what to expect:
Difficulty Level
Moderate: Most candidates say the ICE exam is manageable if you’ve completed a dental assisting program or worked in a dental office.
Practical, not abstract: Questions are focused on real-world infection control—sterilization, OSHA/CDC guidelines, PPE, and safety practices.
Detail-heavy: Many test-takers struggle not with concepts, but with remembering fine details (e.g., correct sterilization times/temperatures, order of donning PPE, or OSHA regulations).
Exam Structure
Format: ~100 multiple-choice questions, computer-based.
Time limit: 75–90 minutes.
Passing score: Scaled (400 is passing), but DANB doesn’t release exact percentages.
Common Challenges
OSHA and CDC guidelines – knowing updates and exact requirements.
Sterilization & disinfection protocols – step order, timing, and methods.
Infection transmission cycles – understanding how diseases spread in clinical settings.
Terminology – some candidates underestimate the importance of memorizing technical vocabulary.
Pass Rates
DANB reports that most well-prepared candidates pass on the first try.
The ICE exam is often seen as easier than the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam but harder than some entry-level state infection control tests.
How to Make It Easier
Use DANB’s official study guides (they match the exam outline exactly).
Take practice exams (DALE Foundation or Mometrix) to get familiar with question style.
Focus on applied knowledge – think through how infection control works in a dental office, not just memorization.
Review OSHA/CDC updates—these are directly tested.
Final Verdict
The DANB ICE exam is not extremely hard, but it’s detail-oriented and can trip up candidates who don’t prepare thoroughly. If you dedicate 2–4 weeks of consistent study using official resources and practice questions, you’ll greatly increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
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