There are over 30 states in the United States of America that mandate the certification of dental assistants. Others states may require that applicants undergo state approved dental assistant programs to seek registration as dental assistants. Dental assistant certification serves as proof of professional competence and specialized education of the incumbent. It is evidence that the person has received theoretical and practical instructions which have endowed him/her with specialized knowledge and skills in respect to the work he/she is expected to perform. Certification is an important aid while searching for employment and is an asset for the job seeker.
Certification of dental assistants is done by the Dental Assisting National Board or DNAB which is recognized across the US. The DANB is a regulatory body that conducts a certified dental assistant exam. Established in 1948, this institute is a nonprofit organization for credentialing qualified dental assistants. The DANB is a leading institution recognized as a national body for qualifying certified dental assistants by the American Dental Association. The DANB conducts programs and certified exams for providing the oral health care community with competent and qualified dental assistants in order to enhance the quality of dental health care. The dental assistant exam administered by DANB is authorized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The dental assistant exam programs run by DANB have also been judged satisfactory by the National Organization for Competency Assurance. Supported and authenticated by all these prestigious Agencies, the DANB assures objective, valid and reliable dental assistant exam testing procedures.
The minimum academic level required for entry into certification programs is a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific programs may require the applicant to have studied science (chemistry and biology) and/or computers in high school to be eligible for admission. Alternatively, he/she needs to have relevant working experience as a dental assistant either full time for two years or part time for four years. Additionally, current certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is also a must. After obtaining initial certification, the individual has to be re-certified annually by earning continuing educational credits. Apart from the DNAB certification, there are various organizations, mostly at state level, that offer registration as a dental assistant through their individual dental assistant programs.
There is a different online administrative dental assistant certification programs offered only through accredited colleges and universities. An Administrative Dental Assistant certificate is awarded to the student after successful completion of the course. The course is targeted at the business management aspects of dental practice. The instructional area of the program covers anatomy, dental terminology, account receivable and reimbursement management, medical records management, patient billing, patient scheduling, procedural and diagnostic coding etc. to prepare an individual for an office career in a dental office. This course is spread over 240 hours.
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