Dental Assistant

Exams

To become a certified dental assistant in Oregon, students must successfully complete an accredited dental assistant program and pass all three segments of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. The DANB is administered at computerized testing centers in Eugene and Portland. Students interested in working outside of Oregon must be aware that each state has its own regulations governing duties and requirements of dental assistants.

LBCC's Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the DANB examination in three segments:

1. The Infection Control Examination (ICE) is taken during the December break after successfully completing fall term and the Dental Office Infection Control course.
2. The Radiation Health and Safety Examination is taken during spring term after successfully completing three terms (60 hours) in radiology. A successful set of clinical x-rays will result in an Oregon Radiological Proficiency License.
3. The General Chairside Exam is taken after completing all four terms of the program and 300 hours of office and clinical chairside assisting (as specified by the American Dental Association).

Students who have successfully completed the DANB and the Dental Assistant program have earned the title of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Graduates are also eligible to apply for an Oregon Expanded Function License and the title of Oregon Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA).