Most accredited programs are nine to eleven months in length. A number of the programs are affiliated with schools that offer an Associate's Degree. A few dental schools also offer an accredited dental assisting education program. The examinee must pass all three components before being awarded the CDA credential. The American Dental Association recognizes DANB to be the certification board for dental assistants.
Many states have additional certification and licensing credentials.
In some states, dental assistants may acquire advanced certification for the specialties of orthodontics or oral surgery. All of these classifications require passing written examinations, and some states also require passing a clinical exam as well. It is a professional development choice to pursue the Certified Dental Assistant credential, or any of the advanced registered or expanded functions credentials. For information regarding individual state requirements and licenses contact the Board of Dental Examiners in the state of choice. Additional information can be obtained through the schools that offer educational programs for dental assisting.