DANB: Everything You Need to Know About the Dental Assisting National Board
DANB: Everything You Need to Know About the Dental Assisting National Board
If you are considering a career as a dental assistant, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is one of the most important organizations to understand. DANB develops and administers dental assisting examinations and certifications that are recognized or required in many states. However, DANB certification is not the same thing as a state license, registration, or permit. The exact credential a dental assistant needs depends on the state where they work.
What Is DANB?
The Dental Assisting National Board, commonly known as DANB, is a national credentialing organization for dental assistants. Its examinations measure knowledge in areas such as infection control, dental radiography, anatomy and chairside assisting.
DANB certifications can be particularly valuable for dental assistants who want to demonstrate professional knowledge, qualify for certain state requirements, or advance into expanded dental assisting responsibilities. DANB states that its exams and certifications are recognized or required in 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Is the DANB CDA?
One of DANB's best-known credentials is the Certified Dental Assistant, or CDA, certification.
The CDA consists of three examination components:
General Chairside Assisting (GC)
Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
Infection Control (ICE)
Candidates can take the component examinations separately or take the combined CDA examination. DANB currently lists the combined CDA examination as a 245-question, 195-minute examination with a 60-day testing window.
There are multiple eligibility pathways. For example, one pathway involves graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program and maintaining current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS certification from an accepted provider. Another pathway allows candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3,500 hours of approved dental assisting work experience to qualify.
What Is the DANB NELDA?
For people entering the profession, DANB also offers the National Entry Level Dental Assistant, or NELDA, certification.
NELDA consists of three examinations: Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS). Candidates may take the examinations individually or through available combination options.
What Is the DANB RHS Exam?
The Radiation Health and Safety examination focuses on dental radiography and radiation safety. DANB says the RHS exam is recognized or required in many states.
The current RHS examination has 75 questions and a 60-minute testing time. It can be taken at a testing center or through online proctoring, and DANB also offers a Spanish-language version.
What Is the DANB ICE Exam?
The Infection Control, or ICE, examination evaluates knowledge related to infection prevention and control in dental settings. ICE is used as a component of several DANB certifications, including NELDA and CDA.
Does Every Dental Assistant Need DANB Certification?
No. Dental assisting regulations are determined by individual states, and requirements vary considerably. Some states recognize or require DANB credentials for particular duties, while others have their own examinations, registration systems or educational requirements.
DANB maintains state-by-state information covering dental assisting job levels, education pathways, examinations, allowable duties and supervision requirements. Dental assistants should therefore check their state's current requirements rather than assuming that a national certification automatically authorizes them to perform every dental assisting function.
DANB and New York Dental Assistants
New York is an especially important example because New York has its own requirements for registered dental assistants.
New York State distinguishes between DANB certification and New York State licensure. A person cannot use the title "registered dental assistant" in New York simply because they hold a DANB credential; they must meet New York's licensing requirements.
New York also has a state-specific New York Professional Dental Assisting examination, which can be combined with DANB's RHS and ICE examinations for certain pathways. The current NYPDA/RHS/ICE examination is listed by DANB as 250 questions with a 195-minute testing time.
How Should You Prepare for the DANB?
The best preparation depends on the specific examination and your background. Candidates should begin with the official DANB examination outline and references, then use structured review materials and practice questions.
The DALE Foundation, DANB's educational organization, provides examination preparation resources, including practice tests and review courses. Hands-on dental assisting education can also help students connect the material tested on the examination with real clinical situations.
For students considering dental assisting as a career, understanding DANB requirements before enrolling in a program can help ensure that the education they receive aligns with the credential or state pathway they ultimately want to pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions About DANB
Is DANB a license?
No. DANB certification is a professional credential, while licensure, registration and permits are generally controlled by individual states.
Is the CDA the same as being a dental assistant?
The CDA is a professional certification demonstrating that a candidate has met DANB's eligibility requirements and passed the required examinations. It does not automatically replace state-specific licensing or registration requirements.
Can DANB certification help a dental assistant's career?
Certification can demonstrate knowledge and may be required or recognized for particular dental assisting roles depending on the state. DANB reports that CDAs earn more on average than non-certified dental assistants, although compensation varies by location, experience, employer and other factors.
Where can I find my state's DANB requirements?
DANB maintains a state-by-state database covering requirements, examinations, education pathways and allowable dental assisting duties. Because regulations can change, checking the current state requirements is essential.
