How to become a certified dental assistant in Puerto Rico, PR

To become a certified dental assistant in Puerto Rico, PR, there are several steps that need to be followed. Firstly, an individual must complete a dental assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This program can be completed at a community college, vocational school, or technical institute. The program typically takes between 9-12 months to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

After completing the dental assisting program, the individual must pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. This exam consists of three components: general chairside assisting, infection control, and radiation health and safety. Once the individual has passed the exam, they can apply for certification through the Puerto Rico Board of Dental Examiners.

In addition to completing the dental assisting program and passing the DANB exam, individuals must also meet certain requirements set forth by the Puerto Rico Board of Dental Examiners. These requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a criminal background check.

Once an individual has met all of the requirements and has been certified by the Puerto Rico Board of Dental Examiners, they can begin working as a certified dental assistant in Puerto Rico, PR. It is important to note that certification must be renewed every two years, and continuing education courses must be completed in order to maintain certification.