Dental Assistants

Certification or Licensing

Dental assistants may wish to obtain one or more certification credentials from the Dental Assisting National Board, but this is only required for employment in some states. Certification shows that an assistant has met certain standards of professional competence. The following credentials are available from the board: national entry level dental assistant, certified dental assistant, certified orthodontic assistant, certified preventive functions dental assistant, certified restorative functions dental assistant, certified in dental infection prevention and control, and dental industry specialist in infection prevention and control. Eligibility requirement vary by credential. Visit https://www.danb.org/exams/view-danb-exams for more information. To keep their credentials, assistants must either prove their skills through retesting or acquire further education.

Additionally, members of the American Dental Assistants Association who complete continuing education credits can receive fellowship and mastership credentials.

Dental assistants in more than 30 states are allowed to take X-rays (under a dentist's direction) only after completing a training program and passing a test. Completing the program for CDA certification fulfills this requirement.