After completion of a dental assistant training program, most graduates pursue official certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To attain certification, candidates must pass a written exam administered by DANB. This exam is approximately 4 hours long and includes 320 questions. On a scale from 100 to 900, candidates must score at least 400 to pass and become certified.

This exam contains 3 primary sections:

• General chairside test – 120 questions
• Radiation health and safety – 100 questions
• Infection control test – 100 questions

Passing the exam signifies the a dental assistant meets the highest level of professional competency and is highly qualified for work as a dental assistant. This inspires confidence in patients and potential employers.

For dental assistants who are trained on the job or who attend an unaccredited training program, 2 years of work experience are required before they are eligible to taket he DANB exam and become certified. Regulations vary from state to state as well, with some states recognizing subsections of the DANB exam for certification purposes. Certified dental assistants receive career benefits, such as a higher salary and the ability to find jobs more easily.