How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant
Meet prerequisites by choosing which certification path you'd like to pursue., Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA accredited) dental assisting program., Complete and maintain current CPR certification., Compile your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Meet prerequisites by choosing which certification path you'd like to pursue.
Find CODA accredited programs at your local community college Apply for admission to your selected school by filling out an application Attend classes, study, and pass course tests , Courses are offered through the Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other approved providers if this is not included in your CODA accredited course. , Either a photocopy of the certificate of completion / diploma, or an official transcript (not a copy) must be included with the application.
A letter from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program on school letterhead indicating the candidate’s name and date of graduation, signed and dated by the program director, may also be accepted.
A photocopy of your CPR, BLS, or ACLS card, front and back.
The card must be dated and signed or imprinted with the instructor’s name and also have the candidate’s name or signature on the card.
Fill out and sign the application.
Indicate whether you will be taking all three components of the test, or if you've already completed either the Infection Control Component and/or the Radiation Health and Safety Component, you can indicate that you are just taking the General Chairside Component. ,,, A minimum of 3,500 hours of dental assisting work experience must be completed over a minimum of 24 months.
If a combination of part time and full time work experience is used, these 3,500 hours may be completed over a maximum 48 month period. , A copy of your high school diploma or GED.
Official documents must include a school seal, school stamp indicating the document is official, or must be notarized.
A signed Employer Work Experience Statement must be included with the application.
This must be signed by your employing dentist.
A photocopy of your CPR, BLS, or ACLS card, front and back.
The card must be dated and signed or imprinted with the instructor’s name and also have the candidate’s name or signature on the card.
Fill out and sign the application.
Indicate whether you will be taking all three components of the test, or if you've already completed either the Infection Control Component and/or the Radiation Health and Safety Component, you can indicate that you are just taking the General Chairside Component. ,,, or D.M.D. program Enclose a photocopy of the candidate’s diploma, certificate of completion or dental license. ,,,, Be well rested and well studied. , Official results will arrive in the mail within 2-4 weeks. , -
Step 2: Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA accredited) dental assisting program.
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Step 3: Complete and maintain current CPR certification.
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Step 4: Compile your documentation Submit proof of your school graduation if applying based on education.
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Step 5: Submit the application by mailing or faxing it
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Step 6: along with supporting documentation and payment for application fees.
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Step 7: Receive a high school diploma or GED certificate.
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Step 8: Get hired as a dental assistant and complete a minimum of two years practical work experience under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
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Step 9: Compile your documentation to submit with your application.
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Step 10: Submit the application by mailing or faxing it
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Step 11: along with supporting documentation and payment for application fees.
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Step 12: Status as a former DANB CDA Enter your DANB certification number on the application.
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Step 13: Graduation from a CODA-accredited D.D.S.
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Step 14: Graduation from a dental degree program outside the U.S. or Canada Enclose a photocopy of your dental school transcript with translation OR a photocopy of a diploma and translation
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Step 15: OR a photocopy of a current dental license and translation.
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Step 16: After submitting your application
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Step 17: payment for fees
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Step 18: and all supporting documentation
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Step 19: you will receive a test admission notice in the mail within 3-4 weeks.
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Step 20: Schedule your test within the 60 day testing window.
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Step 21: Arrive at the exam center on your scheduled day and time with valid
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Step 22: unexpired photo ID and your test admission notice.
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Step 23: Receive preliminary pass or fail results after completing the exam.
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Step 24: Maintain certification annually with a minimum of 12 hours continuing dental education
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Step 25: answering updated background information questions
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Step 26: updating CPR certification if necessary
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Step 27: and paying annual renewal fees.
Detailed Guide
Find CODA accredited programs at your local community college Apply for admission to your selected school by filling out an application Attend classes, study, and pass course tests , Courses are offered through the Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other approved providers if this is not included in your CODA accredited course. , Either a photocopy of the certificate of completion / diploma, or an official transcript (not a copy) must be included with the application.
A letter from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program on school letterhead indicating the candidate’s name and date of graduation, signed and dated by the program director, may also be accepted.
A photocopy of your CPR, BLS, or ACLS card, front and back.
The card must be dated and signed or imprinted with the instructor’s name and also have the candidate’s name or signature on the card.
Fill out and sign the application.
Indicate whether you will be taking all three components of the test, or if you've already completed either the Infection Control Component and/or the Radiation Health and Safety Component, you can indicate that you are just taking the General Chairside Component. ,,, A minimum of 3,500 hours of dental assisting work experience must be completed over a minimum of 24 months.
If a combination of part time and full time work experience is used, these 3,500 hours may be completed over a maximum 48 month period. , A copy of your high school diploma or GED.
Official documents must include a school seal, school stamp indicating the document is official, or must be notarized.
A signed Employer Work Experience Statement must be included with the application.
This must be signed by your employing dentist.
A photocopy of your CPR, BLS, or ACLS card, front and back.
The card must be dated and signed or imprinted with the instructor’s name and also have the candidate’s name or signature on the card.
Fill out and sign the application.
Indicate whether you will be taking all three components of the test, or if you've already completed either the Infection Control Component and/or the Radiation Health and Safety Component, you can indicate that you are just taking the General Chairside Component. ,,, or D.M.D. program Enclose a photocopy of the candidate’s diploma, certificate of completion or dental license. ,,,, Be well rested and well studied. , Official results will arrive in the mail within 2-4 weeks. ,
About the Author
Gary Rivera
Committed to making pet care accessible and understandable for everyone.
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