You’ve heard it before: Professional certification has its benefits. Given the competitive job market and ever-evolving, complex nature of dentistry, earning certification through the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) helps dental assistants stand out from the crowd and gives them the edge to get ahead in their careers.
Employment
More and more employers are taking certification into account when they evaluate job candidates. Some employers require that potential employees hold certification. Certification demonstrates to an employer that a candidate has met the standards of the profession, has the skills and knowledge to succeed, and is committed to lifelong learning.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that among the employed, people who worked full time in any profession were more likely to hold a certification or license than those who worked part time: 26.9% and 19.4%, respectively. People who held a certification or license also had a lower unemployment rate (2.7%) than those without these credentials (6.1%) in 2015.
The positive relationship between certification and employment holds true for dental assistants as well. DANB’s 2014 Salary Survey reported that dental assistants who hold DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification have been employed in their current positions for more than seven years and in the field for nearly 14 years on average, indicating employer loyalty and a commitment to the profession.
Earnings and benefits
Studies also show that people who are certified earn higher salaries. The BLS reported that people with a certification or license in any profession earn about one-third more than those without these credentials.
While the amount is less than one-third more, this trend holds true for dental assistants as well. According to DANB’s 2014 Salary Survey, full-time DANB CDA certificants earned a median salary of $19 an hour, nearly $2 more per hour than noncertified dental assistants. The survey also reported that CDA certificants received benefits such as paid holidays (76%), paid vacation (75%), 401(k) or pension plans (59%), free dental care (52%) and paid sick leave (50%).
Advancing the profession
While holding certification can help dental assistants progress in their careers, it can also help elevate the status of the profession itself. Dental assistants sometimes feel as though they don’t get the respect they deserve from their colleagues and patients. Earning and maintaining DANB certification is a mark of excellence that shows peers and other dental professionals that dental assistants have attained the knowledge and expertise to excel. Enhancing your professional credibility ultimately heightens the credibility of the profession at large.
Consider certification
Certification gives you the opportunity to advance your career. If you want to boost your career prospects, consider earning DANB certification. DANB offers five national certifications, making it easier for you to earn certifications that meet your career goals and fit with your experience. For information about DANB’s certifications, please visit the DANB website.
