DANB exams are an important part of any new dental assistant’s career. The DANB, or Dental Assisting National Board, is a professional organization that helps dental professionals learn and grow. You can take DANB-approved classes to learn how to work in a dentist’s office, then earn DANB certifications to show your skills. These tests are so widely respected that some states even require DANB tests before you can start working. Learn more about the DANB exams to see what to expect.
DANB Infection Control (ICE) Exam
The DANB Infection Control Exam (DANB ICE) is a standard test you’ll need to pass in many states. This exam will test you on modern safety practices to make sure you can keep patients healthy. It covers preventing dental infection and keeping everyone (staff and patients) safe and healthy. Dental work involves bodily fluids so these skills are important to know.
About the DANB ICE Exam
What does the DANB ICE exam cover?
- Prevention of Disease Transmission
- Prevention of Cross-contamination
- Process Instruments and Devices
- Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols
Here are other important details about taking the DANB Infection Control exam.
- 80 multiple choice questions
- 60-minute (1 hour) time limit
- $270 exam fee
- Can be taken online and in person
- Anyone can take the ICE exam
- Counts towards the NELDA, CDA, and COA certifications
DANB Radiation Health And Safety (RHS) Exam
Taking the DANB Radiation Health And Safety Exam (RHS) shows that you’re a valuable part of any dental team. This exam covers how to safely take x-rays and other radiography procedures. X-rays help dentists treat cavities and damaged teeth. Dental assistants are in high demand if they can take x-rays.
About The DANB RHS Exam
What does the DANB RHS exam cover? You’ll be tested on:
- Purpose and Technique
- Radiation Safety
- Infection Prevention and Control
Here are more details about the DANB Radiography Health and Safety exam:
- 80 multiple choice questions
- 60-minute (1 hour) time limit
- $270 exam fee
- Can be taken online and in person
- Anyone can take the RHS exam
- Counts towards the NELDA and CDA certifications
DANB Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) Exam
The DANB Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology Exam (AMP) checks your knowledge of human teeth and mouths. This test deals with the structure (or anatomy) of the mouth, the relationship of the mouth to other body parts (or its morphology), and the functions (or physiology) of the mouth. You need to know about all of these things to be a good dental assistant!
About The DANB AMP Exam
What does the DANB AMP cover? DANB exams on this topic feature the following items:
- Head, Neck and Oral Cavity Anatomy and Physiology
- Tooth Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology
Here are more details about the DANB Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology exam:
- 80 multiple choice questions
- 60-minute (1 hour) time limit
- $245 exam fee
- Can be taken online and in person
- Anyone can take the AMP exam
- Counts toward the NELDA certification
Popular DANB Exams: Taking The DANB General Chairside Assisting (GC) Exam
The DANB General Chairside Assisting Exam (GC) covers the foundations of working with a dentist. This test proves you know how to work with dental equipment, help patients feel comfortable, and work well in a dental team.
About The DANB GC Exam
What does the DANB GC exam include? You’ll need to know the following subjects:
- Evaluation
- Patient Management and Administration
- Chairside Dentistry
- Dental Materials
Here’s more info about the DANB General Chairside test:
- 95 multiple choice questions
- 75-minute time limit
- $270 exam fee
- The exam can be taken online or in person
- Counts for the CDA certification
DANB GC Exam Requirements
Wondering about the DANB GC exam requirements? Everyone who takes the DANB GC exam must have CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification. You also need to do one of the following:
- Graduate from a CODA-approved dental assistant program, OR
- Have 3,500 hours of work experience under a dentist’s supervision, OR
- Have been a Certified Dental Assistant in the past
DANB Orthodontic Assisting (OA) Exam
Taking the DANB Orthodontic Assisting Exam (OA) is a good career move if you want to work in an orthodontist’s office. This test covers the basics of working with braces and other kinds of orthodontia. The OA test is one of the DANB exams that lead to the COA credential.
About The DANB AO Exam
What questions are on the DANB OA exam? The following topics are covered:
- Evaluation
- Radiation Health and Safety
- Orthodontic Procedures
- Patient Evaluation and Office Management
Check out this extra information about the DANB Orthodontic Assistant exam:
- 140 multiple choice questions
- 105-minute time limit
- $320 exam fee
- In-person testing only
- Counts toward the COA certification
DANB AO Exam Requirements
What are the DANB AO test requirements? Everyone who takes the test must have CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification. You’ll also need to meet one of the following pathways to qualify:
- Complete a CODA-approved orthodontic assistant program and be a current CDA, OR
- At least 3,500 work hours and have current or former CDA certification, OR
- At least 3,500 work hours and a high school diploma (or GED), OR
- Be a former COA
DANB Sealants (SE) Exam
The DANB Sealants Exam (SE) makes sure you know how to safely apply sealants to teeth. Extended function dental assistants work with sealants on a regular basis, making this a great test to take if you’re advancing your career. This DANB exam counts towards the CPFDA and CRFDA certificates.
About The DANB SE Exam
What questions are on the DANB SE exam? You’ll find the following subjects on the test:
- Evaluation
- Armamentarium
- Procedures
- Administration
Here are more details about the DANB SE test.
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 40-minute time limit
- $175 exam fee
- Anyone can take the SE exam
- In-person testing only
- Counts towards the CPFDA and CRFDA certifications
DANB Exams: The DANB Topical Fluoride (TF) Exam
The DANB Topical Fluoride Exam (TF) tests you on applying topical fluoride treatments to the outside of a patient’s teeth. Fluoride is a standard part of dental care. Dental assistants who pass the TF exam have valuable skills in high demand.
About The DANB TF Exam
What does the DANB TF exam test you on? Study the following items to prepare for the test:
- Evaluation
- Armamentarium
- Procedures
- Administration
Here’s other useful information about taking the DANB TF test:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 40-minute time limit
- $175 exam fee
- Anyone can take the SE exam
- In-person testing only
- Counts toward the CPFDA certification
DANB Coronal Polishing (CP) Exam
The DANB Coronal Polishing Exam (CP) tests dental assistants who want to be able to polish teeth. You can find more advanced dental assistant jobs once you prove you have this useful skill.
About The DANB CP Exam
What’s on the DANB CP test? Expect questions on the following subjects:
- Evaluation
- Armamentarium
- Procedures
- Administration
Here’s other useful information about taking the DANB CP test:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 60-minute time limit
- $245 exam fee
- Anyone can take the SE exam
- In-person testing only
- Counts toward the CPFDA certification
DANB Impressions (IM) Exam
The DANB Impressions Exam (IM) focuses on taking impressions or mold of teeth. Impressions can be used for braces, dentures, and other treatments, making this a valuable skill.
DANB Exams: About The DANB IM Exam
What does the DANB IM exam test include? Study the following topics to prepare:
- Evaluation
- Armamentarium
- Procedures
More info about the DANB IM test:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 40-minute time limit
- $125 exam fee
- Anyone can take the DANB IM test
- In-person testing only
- Counts towards the CRFDA certificate
DANB Temporaries (TMP) Exam
The DANB Temporaries Exam (TMP) covers how to apply temporary crowns, fillings, and more. EFDAs in some states are allowed to apply these temporary treatments so this test can help you move up in your career.
About The DANB TMP Exam
What kind of questions are on the DANB TMP exam? You’ll see the following subjects on the test:
- Evaluation
- Preparation
- Procedures
Here are more details about the DANB TMP test:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 40-minute time limit
- $125 test fee
- Anyone can take the DANB TMP exam
- In-person testing only
- Counts towards the CRFDA certificate
DANB Restorative Function (RF) Exam
The DANB Restorative Function Exam (RF) shows that you’re skilled in advanced restorative techniques. Passing this test is a great step towards an EFDA career.
About The DANB RF Exam
What does the DANB RF exam cover? This test includes the following topics:
- Evaluation
- Isolation
- Procedures
- Infection Prevention and Control
Need more info on the DANB RF test? Here are other important details:
- 80 multiple choice questions
- 60-minute time limit
- $275 exam fee
- In-person testing only
- Applies towards the CRFDA qualification
DANB Exams: RF Exam Requirements
Learn about the DANB RF exam requirements. Before taking this test, you need to earn CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification. You’ll also need to meet one of the following before taking this DANB exam:
- Be a current CDA, OR
- Be a previous CDA with certification less than two years out of date, OR
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited school in dental assisting or dental hygiene (from any state except Alabama), OR
- Complete a CODA-accredited program on restorative or extended dental assisting and have 3,500 hours of work experience
Go Beyond DANB Exams With Certifications
DANB exams are a great way to show off your skills and training. Dental assistants who pass DANB tests are very competitive job candidates. You can go even further by earning DANB certifications. Certifications are groups of tests that prove you’re a good fit for any dental team. You can even get advanced and specialized certifications to stand out from the crowd. Keep an eye on Mom Gets A Job for more info about certifications, coming soon.
