About DANB
DANB is recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certification board for dental assistants. DANB’s mission is to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community. For those dental assistants who meet the eligibility and exam requirements, DANB Certification may be earned in the areas of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA), or Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA). In addition to these national certifications, DANB offers certificates of competency in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), Coronal Polish (CP), Sealants (SE), Topical Anesthetic (TA), and Topical Fluoride (TF). DANB's CDA and COA certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Currently, there are more than 34,000 DANB Certificants nationwide, and DANB certifications and certificates of competency are recognized by or required by 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Passing DANB’s exams demonstrates a dental assistant's competency in areas that are important to the health and safety of oral healthcare workers and patients alike.
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DANB Announces 2011-2012 Board Directors and Officers
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
communications@danb.org
DANB Announces 2011-2012 Board Directors and Officers
CHICAGO (Oct. 3, 2011) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has elected its 2011-2012 Board of Directors:
- Chair — Frank Maggio, D.D.S.
- Vice Chair — Carol Oeder, CDA, COA, CPDA, CDPMA, FADAA, LPN
- Secretary — Mary Harrison, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, FADAA
- Patricia Capps, CDA, RDH, M.S.
- Joanne Dawley, D.D.S.
- Linda Golodner, B.A.
- Karen Minca, CDPMA
Dr. Maggio, the newly elected Board Chair, has served on DANB’s Board since September 2010. Dr. Maggio is serving the first of a possible two three-year terms. He was elected by DANB's Board from a slate of qualified nominees provided by the American Dental Association (ADA). “I look forward to serving this year as the Chair of DANB’s Board of Directors,” Dr. Maggio said. “This year will be full of exciting projects, and I am excited to work with the other DANB Board Directors and staff to bring them to fruition.”
Ms. Oeder has been elected to serve a second year as Board Vice Chair. She was elected by DANB Certificants as the Certificant-at-Large in 2009, and is serving her first of a possible two three-year terms. Ms. Oeder is currently a Compliance Specialist at Dental Associates Ltd., where she has been employed for more than eight years.
Ms. Harrison, the newly elected Secretary, was elected to DANB’s Board in September 2010 and is fulfilling the first of a possible two three-year terms. She was elected by DANB’s Board from a slate of qualified nominees provided by the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). Ms. Harrison currently works as a clinical chairside dental assistant.
In addition to its new officers, DANB’s Board welcomes Ms. Capps, Dr. Dawley and Ms. Golodner as its newest directors.
Ms. Capps was elected by DANB’s Board from a slate of qualified nominees provided by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). She is currently the Director of Distance Learning for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental assisting program at the University of Indiana School of Dentistry.
Dr. Dawley is a practicing dentist who was elected by DANB’s Board from a slate of qualified nominees provided by the ADA. She has been an ADA member for nearly 25 years. She is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the National Dental Association and the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.
Ms. Golodner was elected as the Public Member on DANB’s Board. She is currently the Principal of Consumer Initiatives, advising nonprofit, government and for-profit groups on consumer healthcare, corporate social responsibility and product safety.
Ms. Minca continues to serve on DANB’s Board. She was elected by DANB’s Board in 2006 from a slate of qualified nominees provided by the ADAA, and is serving the second of two possible three-year terms.
About DANB’s Board of Directors
DANB’s Board is composed of nine directors: two from the ADA, one from the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), one from ADEA, three from the ADAA, one DANB Certificant-at-Large and one public nominee. DANB currently has two open positions on its Board: the third nominee from the ADAA and the nominee from the AADB. DANB’s Board is currently considering candidates and will announce the new directors after they are elected.
For more information, visit www.danb.org or call 1-800-367-3262.
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DANB’s CDA Exam Offered During the ODA Annual Session
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
communications@danb.org
DANB’s CDA Exam Offered During the ODA Annual Session
CHICAGO (June 14, 2011) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) is offering its Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam during the Ohio Dental Association (ODA) Annual Session, which is held Sept. 15-18, 2011.
This year, DANB’s CDA exam will be administered on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. Complete applications, including exam fee and required exam eligibility documentation, must be postmarked or faxed to DANB by Aug. 31, 2011.
Download the CDA Exam Application Packet.
Dental assistants who are interested in taking DANB’s CDA exam on Sept. 17 during the ODA Annual Session can download the CDA exam application from DANB’s website at www.danb.org/PDFs/ODA.pdf.
DANB exams are recognized or required in 38 states and the District of Columbia. In Ohio, DANB’s CDA exam meets state requirements to expose radiographs and is often a requirement to enroll in Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB)-approved expanded functions courses. DANB CDAs are also qualified to enroll in OSDB-approved coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealant courses. For the complete dental assisting requirements in Ohio, visit the State-Specific Information section of DANB’s website.
Although DANB exams are offered across the country year-round, the ODA Annual Session is a great time for dental assistants in Ohio to take DANB’s CDA exam.
Lori Lukachinsky, CDA, took DANB’s CDA exam at last year’s ODA Annual Session. Lukachinsky earned DANB Certification as a prerequisite to earning Ohio's coronal polish certificate. “Our staff was attending the ODA meeting to take classes, so I decided it would be the perfect place to take the DANB exam,” she explains. “When I found out that I passed, my knees just about buckled. I was so happy; I called everyone I could think of to tell.”
The ODA will offer a review course on Ohio certification for dental assistants. The course, titled “Certifications for Dental Assistants in Ohio,” is taught by Paula Oliver, CDA, CDPMA, CODA, and will be offered this year on Thursday, Sept. 15. While candidates may find this course helpful, DANB does not require or endorse any particular review course. Dental assistants who attend the ODA Annual Session can register for the course at www.oda.org.
“The collaboration between DANB and the ODA has brought tremendous benefits to both organizations, as well as to Ohio dental assistants and dentists,” DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley, M.Ed., MBA says. “By supporting DANB Certification, members of the ODA are working to ensure that their assistants meet national dental assisting competency standards, and demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning.”
DANB will also be exhibiting at the ODA Annual Session. Dental assistants who have questions or want to pick up information on dental assisting certification can visit DANB at booth 824.
For more information, visit www.danb.org or call 1-800-367-3262.
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DANB’s Preventive Duties Certification Now Available
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
communications@danb.org
DANB’s Preventive Duties Certification Now Available
CHICAGO (April 19, 2011) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has introduced a new national certification exam program, the Certified Preventive Dental Assistant (CPDA). DANB’s CPDA certification is made up of four component exams: Coronal Polish (CP), Sealants (SE), Topical Anesthetic (TA), and Topical Fluoride (TF).
There are no prerequisites to take the individual CP, SE, TA, and TF component exams. However, candidates seeking CPDA Certification must apply through one of four eligibility pathways. Please see the CPDA Application Packet for complete eligibility requirements.
Download DANB’s CPDA Application Packet
This is an exciting time for dental assistants, and many states are expanding the duties that assistants are allowed to perform. Currently, the dental practice acts in 35 states allow or do not prohibit dental assistants to perform all four of the CPDA functions. In total, 43 dental practice acts allow dental assistants to perform coronal polishing procedures, 38 allow dental assistants to apply sealants, 45 allow dental assistants to apply topical fluoride, and 49 allow dental assistants to apply topical anesthetic.
Visit the "State-Specific Information” section of DANB’s website to learn which states’ dental practice acts and/or administrative rules allow dental assistants to perform these functions – and whether there are state-specific qualifications. Although each state sets its own requirements to perform preventive duties, DANB is proud to be able to offer an objective, reliable and valid exam to measure knowledge-based competency in coronal polish, sealants, topical anesthetic and topical fluoride, to assist state dental boards in meeting their public protection missions.
DANB has been testing and certifying dental assistants for more than 60 years. Recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as the national certification board for dental assistants, DANB annually tests about 20,000 dental auxiliaries – with more than 33,000 DANB Certificants nationwide. Currently, DANB’s exams are recognized or required to perform dental assisting duties in 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to the CPDA Certification, DANB offers the CDA and Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) national certifications. Covering the important duties that dental assistants perform every day, DANB’s CDA exam includes exams on General Chairside (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE). DANB’s COA exam covers Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and ICE.
There are numerous benefits to passing DANB exams and working toward Certification, including personal pride, professional status, greater earning power, recognition within the dental community, career advancement, and increased career mobility. To learn more about DANB Certification, or to download an exam application packet, visit www.danb.org.
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DANB Publishes 2011 Resources for Dental Assisting Requirements
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
mediarelations@danb.org
DANB Publishes 2011 Resources for Dental Assisting Requirements
CHICAGO (March 25, 2011) - The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) offers two publications that feature the most up-to-date dental assisting requirements. DANB’s 2011 State Career Ladder Templates for Dental Assistants and DANB’s 2011 State Fact Booklet are both must-have resources for dental assistants, educators, state legislators, oral healthcare organizations and state dental boards.
Download the order form.
DANB’s 2011 State Career Ladder Templates for Dental Assistants features easy-to-use charts with information on each state's rules and regulations for dental assistants. Each state chart highlights job designations for dental assistants; education, exam and training requirements; allowable functions; non-delegable functions; and levels of supervision required in each state. This information is particularly useful for dental assistants interested in relocating, educators answering questions about state regulations, dental offices needing helpful printouts, and legislators or state dental boards comparing state regulations.
DANB’s 2011 State Fact Booklet provides a synopsis of current state requirements and excerpts from state dental practice acts related specifically to the dental assistant. It also includes state board of dentistry contact information, DANB exams accepted or required in each state, the number of assistants holding DANB Certification or other DANB certificates in each state, comparative salary information, general information on expanded functions and radiography requirements, state-specific anesthesia and sedation regulations, and a list of Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited dental assisting programs.
“DANB’s state publications are a great tool for dental professionals to stay up-to-date on dental assisting regulations and requirements in their state,” said DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley, M.Ed., MBA.
Information from both state publications can be found on DANB’s website in the State-Specific Information section.
Visit DANB’s State-Specific Information page.
To place an order for the publications, download the order form or call 1-800-367-3262.
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DANB Launches Online HR Fundamentals Course
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
mediarelations@danb.org
DANB Launches Online HR Fundamentals Course
CHICAGO (Feb. 23, 2011) - The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has released a new online professional development course covering human resources for general and specialty dental practices. DANB’s Assessment-Based Certificate Program (ABCP): HR Fundamentals is an interactive e-learning course designed for dental office managers, dental assistants, receptionists and hygienists. Dentists with varying degrees of knowledge in human resources of the dental office may also benefit from taking this course.
DANB’s ABCP: HR Fundamentals can be purchased at www.danb.org/learning. The course costs $100, and learners who successfully complete the post-course assessment are able to print a certificate of completion and earn 6 DANB Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credits.
The course covers topics such as planning for current and future staff, and analyzing staffing needs as they relate to office structure and developing clear job descriptions. Other important subjects include identifying legal human resources issues, recognizing components in the interviewing and hiring process, identifying elements of employee benefit and compensation plans, and more. Learners will be able to apply these concepts and obtain resources to use in their dental practices.
“Human resources management is a critical component to running a successful dental practice,” notes Kathy Stack, Assistant Director, Education. “Proper human resources management can increase a dental practice’s bottom line, as well as improve overall patient care. We are pleased to deliver this important online course for the dental team.”
For members of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM), DANB’s ABCPs will also meet some of the requirements for fellowship in AADOM. Interested dental office managers can learn more about AADOM membership and Fellowship in AADOM by visiting www.dentalmanagers.com/danbrequirements.
DANB’s ABCP: HR Fundamentals is DANB’s fourth online course. DANB’s Conventional Dental Radiography Review Course and DANB’s ABCP: Accounts Receivable launched in January 2010, and DANB’s RHS Review Course debuted in September 2010. All of DANB’s online courses can be purchased at www.danb.org/learning.
In spring 2011, DANB’s e-learning courses will be rebranded and launched through the Dental Auxiliary Learning and Education Foundation (The DALE Foundation). The DALE Foundation was incorporated in March 2010, as a DANB-affiliated, but separately incorporated nonprofit foundation. The DALE Foundation was formed to benefit the public by providing quality education and conducting sound research to promote oral health.
For more information about DANB, visit www.danb.org.
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DANB Renames New Certification Program
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cindy Durley
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 428
cdurley@danb.org
DANB Renames New Certification Program
CHICAGO (Dec. 29, 2010) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has renamed its new expanded functions certification program. The new Certified Preventive Dental Assistant (CPDA) certification program includes component exams on Coronal Polish (CP), Sealants (SE), Topical Fluoride (TF) and Topical Anesthetic (TA). The certification program was pretested under the name Certified Oral Preventive Assistant (COPA). The CPDA component exams, eligibility requirements and renewal requirements do not differ from the certification that was originally developed under the name COPA.
DANB originally developed the COPA certification in support of the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) workforce model, which the ADA’s House of Delegates approved in October 2006. However, it came to DANB’s attention that the certification exam was not in complete alignment with ADA’s OPA workforce model. DANB selected the CPDA certification mark to allow for more flexibility in the future.
The dental practice acts in 32 states allow or do not prohibit dental assistants to perform all four of the CPDA functions. These duties are considered expanded functions in most states. Additionally, dental assistants are allowed to:
- Perform coronal polishing procedures in 42 states
- Apply topical fluoride in 40 states
- Apply sealants in 32 states
- Apply topical anesthetic in 41 states
“DANB shares state dental boards’ public protection mission, and believes there is a great need for these exams. Already, DANB has received a positive response from some dental assistants, dentists and some members of the dental community regarding our plans for this new certification program addressing preventive duties to enhance oral health,” explains DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley, M.Ed., MBA. “Because of this interest, DANB opted to select a certification mark name that allows for flexibility to measure functions desired or performed in the oral healthcare arena that might not be reflected in a specific workforce model or curriculum.”
DANB conducted pretesting of qualified candidates for the CPDA certification exam, which includes all four component exams, from July 2010 through December 2010. DANB solicited current DANB CDAs who work in states where all four CPDA functions may be legally delegated to dental assistants, to participate in the pretest at no charge. All pretest candidates were required to meet eligibility requirements (various combinations of DANB Certification, graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program, and documentation of knowledge- or perfomance-based competency in the four preventive functions assessed by the CDPA certification program). Pretesting ended in December 2010, and the new CPDA certification exam program will be available to all qualified dental assistants beginning April 2011.
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DANB CDAs Earn More, According to Salary Survey
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB, ext. 417
mediarelations@danb.org
DANB CDAs Earn More, According to Salary Survey
CHICAGO (Dec. 15, 2010) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has just published the results of its biennial salary survey. DANB’s 2010 Salary Survey shows that DANB Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) continue to earn more and stay in the profession longer than non-certified assistants. DANB’s results are based on a 17 percent response rate to its survey of a national sample of CDAs. DANB targeted a 10 percent response rate to be able to generalize results to the full CDA population.
According to the survey, DANB CDAs who work full-time (73 percent) report a median salary of $18.73 per hour, which is up $0.73 from 2008. The median salary for full- and part-time DANB CDAs is $18.50 – $2.04 higher than non-certified assistants, who earn $16.46 per hour, according to adjusted figures from a May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey.
“I believe DANB Certification has everything to do with my wage,” according to one respondent, who notes she went from making $15 to $19 within the last year. “I believe with the confidence in my knowledge and abilities that I gained from being DANB Certified, I always worked a little harder, pushed a little further, and feel very successful.”
Many DANB Certificants share the results of the salary survey with their employers when asking for a raise. “Thanks to your survey I was able to show it to my dentist and get the recognition I deserved,” one DANB CDA said.
DANB CDAs tend to stay in the profession longer and have more loyalty toward their employers. According to DANB’s 2010 Salary Survey, DANB CDAs have been in their current positions for an average of 8.7 years and in the profession an average of 15.7 years. DANB CDAs increase office efficiency and often take on additional responsibilities such as infection control; laboratory functions; expanded duties, as allowed in their respective states; and providing in-office training to other staff.
DANB Certificants receive benefits such as 401(k)/pension plan (61 percent), free dental care (56 percent), health insurance (54 percent), reimbursement for CDE (52 percent) and reimbursement for certification or state registration renewal (30 percent).
Beyond higher pay, DANB CDAs cited personal benefits to maintaining DANB Certification, including self-gratification (87 percent), pride (78 percent), employer recognition (55 percent), elevating the profession (48 percent), patient respect for credentials (45 percent) and recognition in the dental community (41 percent).
In addition, many DANB Certificants strongly believe in the important role DANB Certification plays in patient safety and public protection. “I would like to see more state dental boards require DANB Certification to practice as a dental assistant in the state in which they live,” one CDA notes.
Although each state has different requirements for dental assistants, earning and maintaining DANB Certification demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning, and is an objective measure of dental assisting knowledge and abilities. There are DANB Certificants in every state, with more than 33,000 DANB Certificants nationwide.
View more results from DANB’s 2010 Salary Survey.
*The median is defined as the point at which 50 percent of the data fall above and 50 percent fall below.
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DANB Recognizes COAs During National Orthodontic Health Month
For Immediate Release
Contact: Hanna Aronovich
1-800-FOR-DANB x417
haronovich@danb.org
DANB Recognizes COAs During National Orthodontic Health Month
CHICAGO (October 14, 2010) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) is proud to recognize its nearly 1,400 Certified Orthodontic Assistants (COAs), in honor of National Orthodontic Health Month. DANB Certificants are dental professionals who enhance the dental team’s competency, efficiency, reputation and credibility. The benefits of DANB Certification include:
- Personal Pride
- Lifelong Learning
- Professional Advantage
- Recognition
- Greater Earning Power
- Career Advancement
- Enhanced Career Mobility
- Acknowledgment
DANBs exams are recognized or required in 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and Veterans Administration. Specifically, DANB’s COA Certification is recognized or required to perform expanded functions in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon.
DANB’s COA exam is made up of two component exams: Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and Infection Control (ICE). Candidates may take the full COA exam all at once or take and pass the component exams separately within a five year period to become DANB Certified. There are no eligibility requirements to take the Infection Control (ICE) exam. Candidates receive a Certificate of Competency in Infection Control, after successfully passing the component exam. The Certificate of Competency in Infection Control meets specific state dental assisting requirements for infection control in Iowa, New York and North Dakota. Learn more about DANB's COA exam.
DANB Certification is current for one year. To maintain Certification, DANB Certified Assistants must renew their certification annually. DANB’s Recertification Requirements include mandatory, current DANB-accepted CPR certification, completing at least 12 Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credits and paying an annual renewal fee.
National Orthodontic Health Month takes place during the month of October and is sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Learn more about National Orthodontic Health Month and the AAO.
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