DANB resources keep dental assistants up to date in their profession
This article originally appeared in Dental Assisting & Office Manager Digest. Subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter here.
Dental assisting is a dynamic profession that is always evolving with exciting developments. But sometimes it can be challenging to stay on top of all the changes occurring in the field. That’s why the Dental Assisting National Board Inc. (DANB) offers several useful and convenient online resources to keep assistants and other dental professionals up to date about dental assisting.
Navigating dental assisting requirements can be difficult because they vary from state to state. DANB’s Search-by-State Map features comprehensive information on each state’s requirements for dental assisting duties, including radiography procedures and expanded functions. Each state page lists the exam, education, and training requirements by job title as well as a link to that state’s dental board. Users can download and print a chart with these requirements, which includes allowable and prohibited duties.
DANB also offers a state dental practice acts database, which has each state’s statutes, regulations, and administrative rules governing the practice of every member of the dental team. DANB created the database in collaboration with the American Association of Dental Boards, so anyone can easily locate the full dental practice act and dental board’s administrative rules and regulations for all dental team members in any state.
Many dental employers and dental office managers want to hire dental assistants who have earned DANB certification. To verify a certificant’s credentials, they can use the DANB-Issued Credential Verification service. They can search this online database by certification number, social security number, or name and state.
The most successful dental assistants are committed to continuing education. But it can be tricky to fit it into their busy schedules. The DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, offers online educational tools and resources to help dental assistants stay current, prepare for DANB exams, or refresh their knowledge. They can access these user-friendly, interactive courses and study aids 24/7—allowing dental assistants to boost their knowledge at their convenience.
These are just a few of the valuable resources DANB and the DALE Foundation provide to help dental assistants and their dental teams succeed. Visit the DANB website to learn about more resources DANB offers to support dental assistants and other members of the dental community.
