What Is a DANB Certification and Is It Required in Colorado?
Wondering what type of certification is required to become a dental assistant in Colorado? Is a DANB Certification necessary? Training and education requirements vary by state, so it can be a bit confusing. Here’s what you need to know if you want to learn more about dental assisting in our state.
What Is the DANB?
Let’s begin with who the nationwide certifying organization is—the DANB. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) was established in 1948. They are recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certification board for dental assistants. They provide approximately 50,000 dental assistant certifications per year.
While Colorado doesn’t require certification, the state requires training and education that is generally in line with the DANB’s standards.
The American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA) is accredited by The Colorado Department of Higher Education. AIDA provides the training and hands-on experience required to prepare our students for the DANB exam if they choose to take it.
Do You Need to Be Certified?
No, but successful completion of the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam is required in our state. An alternative to the RHS exam is hands-on and fully supervised training with a dentist and/or dental hygienist that meets state regulatory requirements.
State regulator requirements are:
“Completion of 5 hours of practical or clinical experience and 3.5 hours of lecture meeting specific Colorado content requirements for a total of 8.5 hours from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education, the Private Occupational School Division (or the equivalent in any other state).”
Most aspiring dental assistants choose to take the RHS exam, as most dental clinics prefer candidates that don’t require radiology training and supervision. This ensures that you have the knowledge-based-competency in radiation health and tasks critical to the safety of your patients and the entire clinic staff.
This includes:
- Radiation technique
- Radiation safety
- Infection control
Dental assistants are primary drivers of infection control in dental clinics.
What Type of Training Is Required to Become a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
In addition to RHS requirements, the Colorado Dental Board requires all dental assistants to be at least 18 years of age. You must also successfully complete hands-on training in a dental clinic or external training in an accredited school.
While some dentists and hygienists will work together to train dental assistants with zero experience, most prefer to hire candidates who have gone to an accredited school.
Formal training in a hands-on program such as AIDA ensures you have the knowledge base and experience in a live dental clinic to hit the ground running. It makes your application stand out from the crowd, and provides you with confidence in your new role. Be mindful that not all schools provide hands-on training.
Can I Take the CDA Exam if I Want To?
Absolutely! Many AIDA students take the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam instead of the RHS exam. The CDA exam includes the RHS exam and provides the certification you will need if you want to work in a state where certification is required.
Cost may be a primary determining factor for you. Especially since the CDA needs to be renewed annually. AIDA’s lesson plans are curated to fully prepare you for both exams.
Current pricing is as follows:
RHS exam—$150 for a 60-minute, 80 question exam.
CDA exam—$450 for a 195-minute, 255 question exam.
If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam in another 60 days. If you only take the RHS exam and decide to move to a state that requires certification you can take the CDA exam at any time.
Want to Learn More?
In addition to being a rewarding career choice, dental assistants are in-demand! If you would like to learn more about our accredited training, reach out to AIDA today to schedule a tour.