Who Takes the DANB ICE Exam? Complete Guide for Dental Assistants in 2025
Who Takes the DANB ICE Exam? Complete Guide for Dental Assistants in 2025
If you’re preparing for a career in dental assisting, you may have heard about the DANB ICE exam—short for the Infection Control Exam. This national certification test ensures that dental professionals understand how to prevent disease transmission, sterilize instruments, and comply with OSHA and CDC safety standards. But who actually takes the ICE exam, and why? Here’s a complete breakdown.
1. Dental Assisting Students
Most CODA-accredited dental assisting programs prepare students to take the ICE exam before graduation. Passing it shows mastery of infection control procedures and is often required for program completion. Students aiming to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) begin their journey with the ICE exam.
2. Entry-Level Dental Assistants Seeking Certification
Anyone pursuing the CDA credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) must pass three exams:
ICE (Infection Control Exam)
RHS (Radiation Health and Safety)
GC (General Chairside Assisting)
The ICE exam is a crucial step toward achieving this gold-standard certification, which improves job prospects and earning potential.
3. Dental Assistants in States with Licensure or Registration Requirements
Some states make the ICE exam a requirement for working as a licensed or registered dental assistant. Others require it for performing expanded functions like sealants, polishing, or radiography. Even in states where it isn’t legally mandated, many employers prefer ICE-certified candidates because it demonstrates proven knowledge of infection control.
4. Experienced Dental Assistants Advancing Their Careers
Dental assistants who entered the field without formal certification often take the ICE exam later to:
Qualify for promotions
Meet new employer requirements
Move into hospital or specialty dental settings that demand higher standards
Certification adds credibility and signals professional commitment.
5. Foreign-Trained Dental Professionals Entering U.S. Dentistry
Internationally trained dentists and hygienists who transition into U.S. dental assisting sometimes take the ICE exam to prove they meet American infection control standards. This helps them integrate into the U.S. dental workforce more easily.
Why the ICE Exam Matters
Validates knowledge of infection prevention protocols
Helps dental assistants comply with OSHA and CDC regulations
Is required for the CDA credential
Opens doors to better jobs, higher pay, and more responsibility
Final Thoughts
The DANB ICE exam is taken by a wide range of people: from dental assisting students, to entry-level assistants working toward certification, to experienced and foreign-trained professionals upgrading their skills. Whether required by your state board or your employer, passing the ICE exam is one of the best ways to stand out in today’s competitive dental job market.
Also, if you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!
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