Are you looking to start a career as a dental assistant? If so, you may be wondering what type of certification you can receive from a dental assisting school. The answer is that there are several certifications available, depending on your goals and the type of program you choose. The dental assistant training program can be completed in as little as 10 months, during which time students are taught preventive, radiographic and clinical dental procedures, as well as administrative tasks related to the clinic. One of the most popular certifications for those just starting out is the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
To obtain this certification, you must pass three exams. Having this certification will put you on the right track to becoming a certified dental assistant. The DANB's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification is widely recognized and respected throughout the dental industry. Over 35,000 dental assistants have this certification, which is recognized or required in many states.
The CDA certification consists of three exams that can be taken separately or in combination. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to effectively assist dentists, dental hygienists and office staff. In order to attend a Florida dental assistant training school, you must be 18 years or older. You may not always need your high school diploma or GED, but you must receive special training to become certified as a dental radiographer.
Those who complete formal training in expanded roles, such as those trained in the FCC dental assistant program, may have more starting options than those who do not. The internship ensures that students can apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, better preparing them for an entry-level position as a dental assistant. To become nationally certified, most dental assistants take the National Board of Dental Care's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. Those who complete the FCC dental assistant program receive a certificate of completion that certifies they have completed an approved training program in expanded functions for dental assistance.
The DANB's Certified Dental Assistant for Preventive Functions (CPFDA) certification focuses on advanced preventive functions performed by dental assistants such as coronal polishing, sealants and topical fluoride. The DISIPC certification is intended for non-clinical dental professionals such as dental sales representatives and managers and office managers. The Certified Certification in Prevention and Control of Dental Infections (CDIPC) was developed by the National Board of Dental Care in collaboration with the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP).In Florida, dental assistants must have sufficient formal training and experience to work in dentistry. Unlike dentists, there is no need to take any exams to work in the state.
