CDA

It is DANB's Certified Dental Assistant exam, described by DANB as a milestone achievement. It suits dental assistants who want a recognized credential showing career commitment and knowledge that supports patients and the dental team. Check DANB's eligibility and your state's requirements before applying, since pathways and allowable duties differ by state.

The exam is organized around three content areas: General Chairside Assisting, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control. DANB offers the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams separately, and notes ICE is a component exam of several DANB certifications, so you may encounter these topics both within and outside the CDA exam.

DANB publishes exam specifics on its own exam pages; the source material available for this page does not state a question count or time limit, so none are listed here. Confirm current figures directly with DANB or your test provider before you plan your pacing, and do not rely on secondhand numbers.

Fees and passing scores are set by DANB and are not stated in the source material used for this page, so they are not quoted here. Because fees and policies are revised periodically, verify the current amount and the passing standard on DANB's site or by contacting DANB before you register.

DANB recommends strengthening your study plan with its study guides and preparation resources, and points candidates to the DALE Foundation's online practice tests and review courses. A practical order is infection control first, since it underpins every procedure, then radiation health and safety, then general chairside assisting, finishing with practice tests to find gaps.

Typical weak spots are infection control details applied to realistic scenarios, radiation safety concepts rather than pure terminology, and chairside sequencing questions that require choosing the best next step. Candidates who only memorize lists tend to struggle; practicing applied, scenario-style questions and reviewing missed items usually closes the gap fastest.

Retake rules, waiting periods, and any associated costs are set by DANB and are not described in the source material for this page, so they are not stated here. Check DANB's forms and policies section or contact DANB directly for the current retake process before assuming a timeline.

DANB provides a credential verification page where you can look up someone's DANB exam or certification status. Employers and candidates can use it to confirm that a credential is active; it is the appropriate route rather than relying on a certificate copy alone.

DANB lists a contact page, a forms and policies section, and support by phone and email. DANB states that representatives are available M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, and lists a Chicago office address. Use these channels for application, eligibility, and policy questions.