Dental assistants advise patients about oral hygiene, manage administrative tasks in dental offices, and assist dentists during procedures. Dental assistants in Ohio benefit from strong demand across the state for dental services in Ohio’s large metropolitan areas. Those who become certified dental assistants can benefit from the opportunity to grow and advance in their dental careers.
To become a certified dental assistant, dental assistants must meet education and experience requirements. Then, they must pass the exam for Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Professionals who pass the certified dental assistant exam in Ohio qualify as certified assistants, according to the Ohio State Dental Board. By becoming certified, dental assistants may take on greater responsibilities and potentially qualify for positions with higher compensation.
Requirements to Take the Certified Dental Assistant Exam in Ohio
Before becoming a certified dental assistant, candidates must meet eligibility requirements. DANB mandates the following to take the certified dental assistant exam in Ohio and other states:
Graduate from a dental assisting or hygiene program that’s accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), or have at least 3,500 hours of approved work experience.
Complete training in CPR, basic life support, or advanced cardiac life support.
Candidates submit an application to DANB demonstrating that they meet the requirements. Next, DANB provides a notice to schedule the exam. Candidates have 60 days to complete the exam after receiving the notice. Pearson VUE administers the exam, which candidates can complete at approved test centers or online.
The exam contains 250 multiple-choice questions divided into three areas:
General Chairside Assisting: Evaluation, patient management and administration, chairside dentistry, dental materials
Infection Control: Prevention of disease transmission, prevention of cross-contamination, process instruments and devices, occupational safety and administration protocols
Radiation Health and Safety: Purpose and technique, radiation protection, infection prevention and control
Candidates have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam, which uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format. This means that questions adapt to the candidate’s knowledge, becoming easier or harder based on incorrect or correct answers.
Tips for Passing the Certified Dental Assistant Exam
The certified dental assistant exam requires a strong understanding of chairside assisting, infection prevention, and radiation techniques. Because the adaptive test covers 250 multiple-choice questions in 195 minutes, candidates need to be able to confidently and quickly answer each question. The tips below can help candidates pass the certified dental assistant exam in Ohio.
Study the Exam Outline
The certified dental assistant exam combines three separate tests that measure candidates’ knowledge of dental assisting, infection control, and radiation procedure. When studying for the test, they should review each topic covered on the exam and determine which areas require the greatest focus.
DANB publishes exam outlines for each area of the CDA exam. The outlines state the percentage of questions drawn from each area. Review the outlines to better understand the knowledge required to pass the exam.
Create a Study Schedule
Setting aside time to study and sticking to a study schedule means that candidates walk into the exam prepared. Divide the exam into parts, and devote study sessions to each part on the exam.
DANB reports that many candidates spend one to two months studying before exam day. They can begin studying while completing the application process. After receiving DANB approval, candidates must schedule and complete the exam within 60 days.
Learn From Wrong Answers
Every incorrect answer during a study session offers learning opportunities. While studying for the CDA exam, learners should review their mistakes or questions where they guessed to identify patterns and improve their score.
The adaptive test format prevents candidates from skipping questions. To become more comfortable with this format, learners should practice answering questions under exam conditions.
Take Practice Exams
Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare for the CDA exam. A practice test before launching a study schedule can give candidates a baseline and a road map for areas to improve. Practice exams also increase comfort with the format and timing of the test.
Interactive practice tests that use the same adaptive format as the official exam offer the greatest opportunities to prepare for test day. Many practice tests offer a test day simulation mode to improve timing and replicate exam day conditions.
Becoming a Dental Assistant in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio reports a promising employment outlook for dental assistants. According to Projections Central, the number of dental assistants in the state will grow by 4.1% from 2022 to 2032. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services also projects 7% job growth in the Cincinnati area from 2020 to 2030.
How do prospective dental assistants enter the profession? Dental assisting programs provide training in oral hygiene, dental assisting techniques, and dental instruments. Students gain supervised experience to strengthen practical skills. Completing a dental assisting program builds the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the CDA exam.
The Ohio State Dental Board recognizes DANB-certified dental assistants as certified assistants. This allows dental assistants to place pit and fissure sealants and pursue the state’s coronal polishing certificate. Certified assistants can also perform certain job functions without direct supervision of a dentist.
Apply to the Fortis Dental Assisting Program
Want to become a dental assistant in Ohio? Fortis offers a dental assisting program at its Cincinnati campus as well as at sister Fortis campuses in Centerville (Dayton area) and Cuyahoga Falls (Akron area). The program trains healthcare providers who specialize in oral health. You’ll learn to administer clinical therapeutic services, educate patients, and assist dentists through a blend of classroom instruction, small-group coaching, and hands-on skill development.
Graduates earn a diploma that prepares them for the CDA exam in Ohio and entry-level careers as a dental assistant. Contact Fortis today to learn more about the dental assisting program.
Recommended Readings
Beyond the Dentist’s Chair: Career Opportunities for Dental Assistants
What It’s Like to Work in Pediatric Dentistry as a Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant: What’s the Difference?