How to become a certified dental assistant in New York County
To become a certified dental assistant in New York County, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, an individual must complete a dental assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). These programs typically take between 9-12 months to complete and cover topics such as dental anatomy, radiology, and infection control.
After completing the program, the individual must pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. This exam consists of three components: general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control. Once the individual has passed all three components of the exam, they will be awarded the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
In addition to completing the educational and exam requirements, individuals must also meet certain eligibility requirements to become certified. This includes having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing a CPR certification course, and having at least two years of on-the-job training or experience as a dental assistant.