Certified PressDental Assisting National Board, Inc. Vol. 38, Issue 1 • Winter 2019

NELDA® • CDA® • COA® • CPFDA® • CRFDA® • CDPMA® • COMSA®

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at an estimated 332,000, the number of dental assistants in the U.S. exceeds the total number of dentists, dental hygienists and dental labo-ratory technicians combined. A recent national survey of nearly 3,000 dentists, dental hygien-ists, dental office managers and dental assis-tants aimed to begin to capture the many ways in which dental assistants bring value to the dental office. This survey, the Value of Dental Assistants to the Dental Practice, was commis-sioned by the DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate.

The results of this first-of-its-kind survey show that dental assistants contribute to the dental practice in many ways.

ProductivityOverwhelmingly, dentists and dental of-fice managers agree that dental assis-tants contribute to the productivity of the dental practice. They said that dental assistants contribute to office produc-tivity both directly, such as allowing the dentist to move to the next patient more quickly, and indirectly, such as making all team members more effective.

ProfitabilityDental assistants contribute to the prac-tice’s profitability in many ways, accord-ing to dentists and dental office manag-ers. They say that dental assistants can positively impact patient retention and treatment plan acceptance because of the frequency with which they are called on to provide patient education.

Patient and provider safetyBusy dental offices see thousands of patients each year, and keeping those visits safe for ev-eryone is essential. Proper infection prevention and control is critical — and dental assistants are on the front lines of keeping patients and providers safe by appropriately applying federal and state standards, regulations and guidelines. According to 99% of dentists and dental assis-

tants, sterilization and disinfection duties are delegated to dental assistants in the practice.

Purchasing powerDental assistants play a key role in making pur-chasing decisions for the practice. In fact, 74% of dental assistants said that they recommend

What dentists and dental office managers are saying . . .

99% agree or strongly agree that an effective dental assistant contributes to

practice productivity.

98% agree or strongly agree that an effective dental assistant contributes to team synergy and

makes all team members more effective.

97% agree or strongly

agree that an effective dental assistant allows

the dentist to move to the next patient

more quickly.

86% of dentists say that an effective dental

assistant helps prevent dentist burnout.

possible to find a dental assistant who can do it all. However, dentists and dental office managers said that the five most important qualities for den-tal assistants are having good patient care skills, being a team player, being willing to learn, taking ownership of work and showing initiative. They also said that effective dental assistants antici-

pate the needs of the dentist without the exchange of words and perform duties properly the first time, avoiding the need to redo work.

Training and educationDentists and dental office managers agreed that dental assistants can bring tremendous value to the dental practice — but they need training and education to be most effective. Fully utilizing dental assistants is one of the ways practices can maximize performance. According to 83% of dentists and dental office man-agers who participated in this research, dental assistants should do everything the state allows them to do, and 85% said their practice cross-trains dental as-sistants to do whatever is needed.

Beyond training, education plays a key role. A majority of dentists believe that continuing education (CE) helps the practice thrive. Overall, 86% said that CE is critical to maintaining the dental assistants’ skills, and 87% said that dental assistants who complete CE are more likely to contribute to the profitabil-ity of the practice.

More informationThe Value of Dental Assistants to the Dental Practice survey was conducted in November 2016 by Association Laboratory, an independent research firm, on behalf of the DALE Foundation, and was generously sponsored by Benco Dental and Henry Schein.

Additional insights and findings from the research will be available in the coming months. For the latest updates, visit www.dalefoundation.org/ research.

The DALE Foundation, the official affiliate of DANB, has selected the winners of the 2018 Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship helps oral healthcare professionals to pursue their professional development goals and supports their mentorship activities.

This year, after receiving more than 70 applica-tions, the Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship Com-mittee selected four winners based on their com-mitment to the oral healthcare profession and mentorship experiences.

2018 scholarship winnersShawnee Delo, of Richmond, Virginia, works as a dental assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry. She plans to ap-ply the scholarship funds toward earning DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, as well as toward registering for Spanish-language courses.

“I strongly feel that completion of these class-es will greatly benefit me in the workplace and help Spanish-speaking families feel more com-fortable knowing they can communicate in their native language during their visit,” Delo says.

Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA, of Bristol, Con-necticut, works at Kids Dental Care in Bristol. She aspires to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and apply to dental schools. Polak-Silva plans to use her scholarship to offset the appli-cation costs, as well as to fund a DAT prepara-tion course.

“I share Liz Koch’s belief in lifelong learning,” she says. “That is why I want to further my ed-ucation and become a dentist. My dream, as a future dentist, is to organize dental mission trips and encourage other dental professionals to join me.”

The DALE Foundation selects winners of the 2018 Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship

Research shows dental assistants bring value to the dental practice

Robynn Rixse, CDA, of Landisville, Pennsylva-nia, will apply her scholarship to her tuition at Eliz-abethtown College in Pennsylvania, where she

products and 72% are involved in placing orders. DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certifi-cants are particularly influential. Dental assistants who hold DANB’s CDA certification were more likely to independently meet with sales represen-tatives, make recommendations for purchases and place orders for some products and services.

Qualities and traitsDental assistants are responsible for many areas within the dental practice and often wear a lot of hats. With broad roles like these, it may seem im-

Clockwise from top left, 2018 Liz Koch Memorial Schol-arship winners Sheila Seevers, CDA; Shawnee Delo; Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA; and Robynn Rixse, CDA.

Continues on p. 7

Michael Conte, D.M.D., M.P.H.DANB Board Chair

WORD FROM THE CHAIR

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Table of ContentsCover..................................................................................1Research shows dental assistants bring value to the dental practiceThe DALE Foundation selects winners of the 2018 Liz Koch Memorial

Scholarship

Word from the Chair..................................................................2DANB reports exam performance results

Spotlight on Excellence..............................................................3Denise Romero receives 2018 Pride Award for Dental EducatorsLori Barnhart appointed to the Michigan Board of DentistryDANB/DALE Foundation receive Patriot AwardDr. Johnna Gueorguieva elected as Board Chair of the Institute for

Credentialing Excellence

Certification Matters...............................................................4-5 DANB’s 2019 Recertification Requirements

News and Updates................................................................6-7OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation collaboration website coming soon!Making a New Year’s resolution? Consider CPFDA certificationTess Martin: DALE Foundation practice tests are ‘priceless’ resources

DANB Details.............................................................Back Page

NELDA® • CDA® • COA® • CPFDA® • CRFDA® • CDPMA® • COMSA®

Congratulations to Emeritus CertificantsAug. 1, 2018 – Oct. 31, 2018

Name/State Certification YearKaren G. Allen, CDA-Emeritus, Fort Pierce, FL 1975Paula M. Boyle, CDA-Emeritus, La Crosse, WI 1990Heather Brooks, CDA, Sautee Nachoochee, GA 2014Kathleen Bunch, CDA-Emeritus, Brookville, OH 1992Peggy Carlton, CDA-Emeritus, Goodlettesville, TN 1990Dina Church, CDA, Baldwin Park, CA 1978Lynn M. Curtis, CDA-Emeritus, Westby, WI 1994Gilda Elaine Dallas, CDA-Emeritus, Brooklyn, NY 2007Monty G. Devine, CDA, Harrodsburg, KY 1992Dana L. Dillon, CDA-Emeritus, Indepence, MO 1972Vinh Khanh Duthinh, CDA-Emeritus, Silver Spring, MD 1988Janet Chan Fricke, CDA-Emeritus, San Bruno, CA 1975Karen A. Gibney, CDA-Emeritus, Honesdale, PA 1982Patricia P. Gould-Shenkler, CDA-Emeritus, Allendale, NJ 1973Janice K. Hamon, CDA, Richmond, TX 2002Mildred Harding, CDA-Emeritus, COMSA-Emeritus, 1995

East Weymouth, MA Cinda Henn, CDA, Omaha, NE 1972Madeline C. Hess, CDA-Emeritus, Elyria, OH 1983Tina R. Hess, CDA-Emeritus, Quincy, MI 2004Julie Hetteen, CDA-Emeritus, Roseau, MN 1982Patricia J. Huddleston, CDA-Emeritus, Roswell, NM 1990Sherri Johnson, CDA, Hartsville, SC 1991Julia Kirkland, CDA, Conroe, TX 1983Paulette Kehm, CDA-Emeritus, Elizabethton, TN 1973Donna S. Lepkoski, CDA-Emeritus, Hanover Township, PA 1973Therese Maretta, CDA, Lebanon, NJ 1981Janet A. Martinez, CDA-Emeritus, Cerro, NM 1977Gayle Monforti, CDA, Addison, IL 1983Karen Nelson, CDA-Emeritus, CDPMA-Emeritus, Whittier, CA 1975Sondra M. Nickolson, CDA-Emeritus, Hibbing, MN 1985Rachel Peabody, CDA-Emeritus, Boyne City, MI 1996Kimberly Rose, CDA-Emeritus, La Grande, OR 1981Diane Royko, CDA-Emeritus, Burlington, CT 1980Karen Scarborough, CDA-Emeritus, Winchester, TN 1996Patti Schegetz, CDA-Emeritus, Horicon, WI 1979Sandra H. Silverlieb, CDA-Emeritus, Irving, TX 1979Teresa Lynn Stodder, CDA-Emeritus, Cave Creek, AZ 1987Mary R. Trayford, CDA-Emeritus, Grain Valley, MO 1972Dorothy L. Vannah, CDA-Emeritus, CDPMA-Emeritus, 1996

Woburn, MADeborah L. Weber, CDA-Emeritus, Grand Island, NY 1978Patty A. West, CDA-Emeritus, Rising Fawn, GA 2007Sheila D. Wright, CDA-Emeritus, Baltimore, MD 1983For more information on Emeritus status, see DANB’s Recertification Requirements on page 4.

Welcome to the winter 2019 issue of Certified Press. In this issue, we spotlight some ways in which dental assistants bring value to the dental assisting profession each day.

On the cover, you’ll find key highlights from the DALE Foundation’s research project, the Value of Dental Assistants to the Dental Practice. This

important research showcases the value and influence of the dental assis-tant to the entire dental industry.

Also on the cover, we announce the four chosen winners of the DALE Foun-dation’s 2018 Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship, as well as the five selected finalists. Congratulations!

Additionally, we congratulate DANB and DALE Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Durley, M.Ed., MBA, who recently accepted the Patriot Award on behalf of DANB and the DALE Foundation for our two organi-zations’ outstanding support of employees serving in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve. DANB and the DALE Foundation were nominated by past DANB Board Director and current DALE Foundation Board Trustee Katharine J. Noble, CDA, CRFDA, SSgt Maine Air National Guard. Read more on page 3.

This issue also features DANB Board Vice Chair Denise Romero, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.A., who has received the American Dental Assistants As-sociation’s 2018 Pride Award for Dental Educators. Read more on page 3.

All these achievements contribute to enhancing the dental assisting profes-sion. Congratulations to everyone.

I hope you all have a relaxing holiday season.

Sincerely,

DANB reports exam performance resultsTo maintain DANB’s high-quality services, meet national and international accreditation standards, and meet certifying board recognition criteria estab-lished by the American Dental Association (ADA), DANB regularly reviews its exams. On October 15, 2018, DANB submitted its Annual Report with recent certification and exam figures to ADA’s Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL).

As of Sept. 27, 2018, DANB has 37,416 Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificants, 1,361 Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certificants, 256 Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) certificants, 105 Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certificants, 146 National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certificants, 218 Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator (CDPMA) certificants, and 127 Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (COMSA) certificants, for a total of 39,629 DANB certifications, held by 38,047 DANB certificants. (Note: DANB discontinued administering the COMSA exam in 2000 and the CDPMA exam in 2008.)

Comparing FY 17-18 exam candidate volume to that in FY 16-17, DANB experienced a 2.7% increase in candidate volume overall: a 1.7% increase in national exam candidates, and an 11.7% increase in state-specific exam candidates.

Pathway pass rates reviewEach year, DANB applies inferential statistics to passing rates of candidates who take the General Chairside Assisting (GC) component of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam through exam eligibility Pathway I (graduates of CODA-accredited dental assisting programs) and Pathway II (candidates who are on-the-job trained, with at least 3,500 hours of dental assisting work experience acquired over a 24- to 48-month period).

At the DANB Board’s February 2018 meeting, Directors reviewed passing rate comparison results for these two GC exam eligibility pathways. Perfor-mance data have been compared each year since 1998. Since 2007, CDA/GC Pathway I candidates (graduates from CODA-accredited programs) pass at a rate that is statistically significantly higher than CDA/GC Pathway II candidates (non-CODA graduates or on-the-job-trained assistants).

Continues on p. 6

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SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Vol. 38, Issue 1 l Winter 2019

DANB/DALE Foundation receive Patriot Award On Oct. 2, 2018, DANB and DALE Founda-tion Executive Director Cynthia C. Durley, M.Ed., MBA, was presented with a Patriot Award on behalf of DANB and the DALE Foundation.

This award, given through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve.

The nomination was submitted by Katharine J. Noble, CDA, CRFDA, SSgt Maine Air Na-tional Guard. Ms. Noble served on DANB’s Board of Directors for two three-year terms and held the role of DANB Board Chair from 2017 to 2018; she has also served as a DALE Foundation Trustee since 2017 to present.

“Being able to nominate DANB for the Pa-triot Award was an honor for me,” shares Ms. Noble, who has 28 years of military ser-vice in the U.S. Navy and Maine Air National Guard combined. “Cindy Durley, staff and the DANB Board have always been and con-tinue to be supportive of my choice to serve our country.”

DANB Board of Directors Vice Chair Denise Rome-ro, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.A., has received the 2018 Pride Award for Dental Educa-tors from the American Dental Assis-tants Association (ADAA). This award recognizes Ms. Romero’s dedication to promoting and enhancing the den-tal assisting profession through her work as an educator.

Ms. Romero says she is honored to have been selected as the recipient of this award from the group of nomi-nated candidates.

“It feels amazing to have been rec-ognized,” Ms. Romero says. “Dental assisting is my life, my passion.”

Advocating for the professionAccording to the ADAA, to qualify for the Pride Award in the educator category, nominees must be an active, life or life retired member of the ADAA; have maintained a minimum of five con-secutive years of membership; and have par-ticipated on local, state, or national offices and/

or ADAA Council or ADAA Special Committee, among other considerations.

Ms. Romero has been the ADAA’s nominee to DANB’s Board of Direc-tors since 2013, and served on the ADAA Council of Legislation from 2012-2013. She has been an ADAA member for the past six years. Through these involvements — and her work as dental assisting program director and associate professor for Pasadena City College — Ms. Rome-ro strives to increase awareness of the dental assisting profession.

“I try to advocate for and get people to go into the profession,” shares Ms.

Romero. “It really is just an amazing career.”

Helping students succeedAs an educator, Ms. Romero’s No. 1 goal is to help her students to be the best, most well-rounded dental assistants they can be. She emphasizes that being successful in the role is not just about mastering the technical aspects.

“You also have to have good chairside manner, be able to get along with the other people in your of-fice and be able to have your patients trust you,” she adds.

To Ms. Romero, being a successful educator means adapting to and accommodating all the different personalities, learning styles and circum-stances she encounters in the classroom.

For example, some students may find that excel-ling in academics comes easy for them but that they struggle with the hands-on and chairside man-ner components; for others, it may be vice versa.

“It’s about giving them the motivation that they can do it, and that they can succeed,” she says of teaching.

Ms. Romero also recalls once giving a student who lacked permanent housing more than just knowledge and confidence — she also would put food into her locker. Ms. Romero eventually met this student’s grateful and teary-eyed father at graduation — an event that is often the culmina-tion of nearly a year’s worth of hard work and, for some, of overcoming adversity.

“It’s just really rewarding to know you’re not only impacting the life of a student, but the family’s as well,” Ms. Romero says.

DANB Chief Creden-tialing and Research Officer Johnna Gue-orguieva, Ph.D., CAE, was recently elected to serve as the Institute for Credentialing Ex-cellence Board Chair for 2019.

“I am honored to have been elected and am looking forward to working with the Board

Denise Romero receives 2018 Pride Award for Dental Educators

Lori Barnhart appointed to the Michigan Board of Dentistry

Dr. Johnna Gueorguieva elected as Board Chair of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence

In July 2018, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder an-nounced the appointment of Lori D. Barnhart, CDA, RDA, of Lennon, Michigan, to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Barnhart, who works as a chairside dental assistant in Flint, Michigan, will serve a four-year term through June 30, 2022.

“Serving on the Michigan Board of Dentistry was a professional goal that has finally become a reality,” says Barnhart, who joins the 19-member Board as one of two Registered Den-tal Assistant (RDA) members.

As a member of the Board, Barn-hart’s No. 1 goal is to ensure Michi-gan citizens are cared for and protected. “I was appointed by the governor to protect the public,” she elaborates. “My personal goal is to carry out my responsibility to the state, while at the same time demonstrating that dental assistants are a valuable part of the dental team.”

Barnhart’s resume certainly reflects her commit-ment to the profession. She holds an associate degree in applied science and a certificate in

dental assisting from Mott Community College in Flint. She became an RDA in Michigan in 1988; that year, she also earned DANB Certified Dental Assis-tant (CDA) certification.

A member of the American Den-tal Assistants Association, Michi-gan Dental Assistants Associa-tion (MDAA) and Genesee District [Michigan] Dental Assistants Soci-ety since 1987, Barnhart has held a variety of leadership positions with all three organizations.

Currently, Barnhart is the Finance Chair of the MDAA, an Education Committee member of the Michigan

Dental Association (MDA) and a current member of the Mott Community College Dental Programs Advisory Board. Additionally, she was inducted as an ADAA Fellow in 2009, and has participated in Michigan Mission of Mercy events as the Mis-sion of Mercy supply lead for the MDA Foundation since 2013.

“I have always been interested in being involved in my profession,” says Barnhart.

in this new role,” says Dr. Gueorguieva. “We have some challenges ahead and some opportunities for growth — and I know that the Board will work together to support this amazing organization.”

Previously, Dr. Gueorguieva served as the orga-nization’s Board Secretary-Treasurer for 2018.

The Institute for Credentialing Excellence is a professional membership association that pro-vides education, networking and other resources for organizations and individuals who work in and serve the credentialing industry. For more infor-mation, visit www.credentialingexcellence.org.

Cynthia Durley, left, accepts a Patriot Award on behalf of DANB and the DALE Foundation.

She was nominated by Katharine J. Noble, right.

Denise Romero, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.A.

Lori D. Barnhart, CDA, RDA

Johnna Gueorguieva, Ph.D., CAE

CERTIFICATION MATTERS

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Recertification PolicyCDE credits must directly relate to the practice of dentistry or dental assisting to maintain or improve dental assisting knowledge or skill. CDE does not need to be pre-approved. Call DANB if you have questions.

Length of ProgramPrograms must be at least 45 minutes in length in order to qualify for one CDE credit. Credit for a course is calculated in 15-minute increments (e.g., 1.5 hours = 1.5 CDE credits, 2.75 hours = 2.75 CDE credits).

CDE Obtained Prior to Earning CertificationEducation dated prior to a certificant’s initial certi-fication date cannot be used to meet DANB CDE requirements. Certificants must earn the required CDE credits during the first year of certification to maintain certification.

CDE LifespanCDE credits have a two-year lifespan. Certifi-cants should retain proof of 24 credits of CDE over a two-year period, in case they are selected for audit.

Use of DANB Certification MarksDANB’s marks are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and only those individuals who have earned and maintained certification are legally authorized to use them. To protect against misuse of DANB credentials, DANB sends reports of lapsed DANB certifications to state regulatory agencies on a regular basis.

DANB certificants may use a DANB certification mark after their names on a resume, business card, website, in a book or publication, and in other print and electronic media. A certificant may also display the mark on a nametag or uniform worn during the rendering or promoting of dental assisting services, and on a wall plaque present at the place where he/she renders or promotes the services. Individuals may not incorporate a DANB mark into their email addresses. If a certificant earned DANB certification in the past but has not maintained certification, he/she may not use the DANB mark. Misuse of any

Renewing DANB CertificationDANB certification must be renewed annually. To renew, certificants must complete at least 12 Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credits (in-cluding 3 credits in infection control); maintain DANB-accepted, hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS; answer Background Information Questions; and submit the nonrefunable renewal fee to DANB. If you hold DANB’s NELDA certification, please visit www.danb.org to download the NELDA Recertifica-tion Requirements packet. Certificants may renew online at www.danb.org or return the renewal state-ment to DANB.

DANB’s 2019 Recertification Requirements (pages 4-5)

DANB certification mark is grounds for discipline under DANB’s Disciplinary Policy & Procedures (www.danb.org).

CPR, BLS or ACLS RequirementCertificants must maintain DANB-accepted, hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS for annual renewal of DANB certification (but does not count toward the required number of CDE credits). DANB ac-cepts CPR, BLS and ACLS from the providers be-low. Course must provide training for CPR, and a hands-on exam must be taken. CPR, BLS or ACLS from other providers or courses will not be accepted.

DANB-Accepted, Hands-on CPR, BLS and ACLS ProvidersAmerican Environmental Health and SafetyAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Red Cross (card or certificate

accepted)American Safety and Health InstituteCanadian Red CrossEmergency Care and Safety InstituteEmergency First ResponseEmergency Medical Training AssociatesEmergency University*EMS Safety ServicesMedic First AidMilitary Training NetworkNational Safety Council (Green Cross)ProCPR*Saudi Heart Association

*Not all courses include the hands-on exam, so check with the provider before taking the course to be sure it will be accepted by DANB.

Requirements/Audit ProceduresDANB’s 12 CDE credit annual minimum is con-sistent with states that have mandatory CDE requirements for dental assistants. This require-ment emphasizes the importance of lifelong pro-fessional learning and promotes the continued competence of DANB certificants.

DANB certificants are randomly selected for au-dit of their CDE credits and CPR. If selected for audit, the certificant will receive notice request-ing proof of CDE credits earned and of maintain-ing DANB-accepted, hands-on CPR/BLS/ACLS. Proof must be submitted to DANB within 30 days of audit notification.

Upon successful completion of the audit, certifi-cation will be instated for the full year.

DO NOT SEND DOCUMENTATION UNLESS REQUESTED. DANB WILL NOT RETURN OR RETAIN MATERIALS.

Emeritus StatusDANB certificants (CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, COMSA and CDPMA) may apply for and earn “Emeritus” status if they have maintained continuous certification for four of the five years immediately preceding ap-plication for at least one certification and are:• Totally and permanently disabled or• Retired from the field of dentistry/dental as-

sisting at the age of 60 years or older or• Retired from the field of dentistry/dental as-

sisting with 35 years of continuous (without any breaks) DANB certification.

RetirementThe certificant must submit:• A completed Emeritus application • A dated letter from the certificant’s em-

ployer on letterhead and signed by the em-ployer (or proof of receiving Social Security benefits).

DisabilityThe certificant must submit:• A completed Emeritus application • A dated letter from the certificant’s physi-

cian on his/her office letterhead stating that the certificant is physically and permanent-ly unable to perform any duties required (or proof of receiving Social Security disability benefits).

NELDA® • CDA® • COA® • CPFDA® • CRFDA® • CDPMA® • COMSA®

Certifications CDE Credits Annual Fee*

1 12 (plus CPR) $752 18 (plus CPR) $903 24 (plus CPR) $1104 30 (plus CPR) $1305 36 (plus CPR) $1506 42 (plus CPR) $170

*There is a $20 late fee for certifications renewed during the three-month grace period after the certification expi-ration date.

Reinstatement optionIf your certification has lapsed within the past 12 months and you’re still thinking about renewing, there’s still time! DANB provides several options for reinstatement that do not include retaking the exams. If you or someone you know wants to learn more, contact DANB at danbmail@danb .org or 1-800-367-3262.

Certification Renewal TimelineBefore certification expiration dateMail: A renewal notice is mailed seven weeks prior to certification expiration.Email: Renewal notices are emailed eight weeks, four weeks and one week before certification expiration.

Certification expiration dateRenewal Statement and fee due by this date.

Grace periodDANB certificants have a three-month grace period from the certification expiration date to complete the renewal process including earning CDE credits. A late fee is assessed during this period. Certification is valid during this period.Mail: Past-due renewal notices are mailed two and six weeks after certification expiration. Email: Past-due renewal notices are emailed 10 weeks, five weeks and one week before grace period ends.

Three months after certification expiration If the statement and renewal fee are not received, the individual is no longer DANB certified. Call 1-800-367-3262 or email recertification@danb.org for reinstatement options.

Recertification fee update Starting Jan. 1, 2019, the cost for DANB cer-tificants to renew one DANB certification will increase, from $65 to $75. There will be no fee increases for those who hold multiple DANB cer-tifications.

Categories for CDE Credits

CERTIFICATION MATTERS CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION (CDE)

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Maximum Annual CDE Credits by Category and CertificationCDE Category CDA COA CPFDA CRFDA COMSA CDPMA

Clinical Practice 12 12 12 12 12 5

Dental Office Management 3 3 3 3 3 6

DANB and Other Dental-Related Exams 12 12 12 12 12 6

Volunteer Service or Scholarly Activity 3 3 3 3 3 3

Vol. 38, Issue 1 l Winter 2019

1. Earn CDE credits*

2. Maintain a current DANB-accepted, hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS certificate

3. Submit the renewal statement and fee

Steps to renew DANB certificationInfection Control Requirement ClarificationCurrently, DANB certificants must annually earn at least two CDE credits in infection prevention, control or safety. Courses may include any topics listed in the DANB Infection Control (ICE) exam outline. Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, DANB certificants must also earn at least one CDE credit in OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard. The federally mandated OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard training may be used to meet this DANB renewal requirement.

CDE CATEGORY 1: CLINICAL PRACTICEStarting Jan. 1, 2018, all certificants, whether they hold one or more DANB certifications, must annually earn a minimum of three (3) Con-tinuing Dental Education (CDE) credits that meet the following re-quirements:

• One CDE credit on OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (for exam-ple, certificants may use proof of meeting the federally mandated OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard training), and

• Two CDE credits on infection prevention, control or safety (for example, courses may include any topics listed in DANB’s Infection Control exam blueprint, which includes but are not limited to information in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard.

All other credits must directly relate to the clinical practice of dentistry, in-cluding dental materials, four-handed dentistry, infection control, radiology, expanded functions, behavior management, communication, and canine and feline dentistry.

Earn credits: Attend lectures, seminars and table clinics; successfully complete study and college courses; serve on an in-person DANB exam or DALE Foundation course development committee meeting; author/edit articles/textbooks

Calculate Credits:

• Each hour of a lecture, seminar, table clinic, or study course = One credit Proof: Certificate/letter of attendance/completion on sponsor letterhead

with organization contact info, your name, course title and date, and hours• Each college credit/unit = Four credits Proof: Transcript/official letter on letterhead with your name, course title

and date, and credits/units.• Each DANB or DALE Foundation meeting = Three credits Proof: Letter on organization letterhead verifying participation• Each authored or edited article or text book = Two credits Proof: Completed publisher’s evaluation with title, your name, publisher

and publication date.

CDE CATEGORY 2: DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT Must directly relate to dental office management and practice communica-tion, including dental practice acts, practice, time, risk and stress manage-ment, HIPAA, patient and staff motivation, computer courses, insurance, claims/billing, foreign language studies, American Sign Language, human resources, marketing and communication.

Earn credits: Attend lectures, seminars and table clinics; successfully complete study and college courses; serve on an in-person DANB exam or DALE Foundation course development committee meeting; author/edit articles/textbooks

Calculate Credits:

• Each hour of a lecture, seminar, table clinic, or study course = One credit Proof: Certificate of completion, letter of attendance/completion on spon-

sor letterhead with organization contact info, your name, course title and date, and hours.

• Each college credit/unit = Four credits Proof: Transcript/official letter on letterhead with your name, course title

and date, and credits/units.

• Each DANB or DALE Foundation meeting = Three credits

Proof: Letter on organization letterhead verifying participation

• Each authored or edited article or text book = Two credits

Proof: Copy of completed publisher’s evaluation form, including title, au-thor’s name, publisher and publication date.

CDE CATEGORY 3: DENTAL-RELATED EXAMS Earn credits: Pass a DANB-administered exam, excluding initial certifi-cation exams, DANB Professional Development Exam Program (PDEP) module or non-DANB administered, dental-related, professionally proctored exam with at least 100 questions

Calculate Credits:

• DANB-administered exam with < 100 questions = 6 credits; 100 or more questions = 12 credits; PDEP module = 12 credits

Proof: Official results • Timed non-DANB administered exam = Hour-for-hour credit; un-timed =

One credit/100 questions Proof: Official exam results with date taken and exam description from

exam organizer

CDE CATEGORY 4: VOLUNTEER SERVICEMust directly relate to dental-related volunteer service. Up to three CDE credits may be used each year.

Earn credits: Mission and voluntary clinic work and dental presentations. Does not include activities such as serving as an officer, chair or member of a dental organization or advisory committee.

Calculate Credits:

• Each clock hour of service = One credit Proof: Certificate or letter of attendance/participation on sponsor letter-

head with organization contact info, your name, and hours and date of service

NELDA® • CDA® • COA® • CPFDA® • CRFDA® • CDPMA® • COMSA®6

NEWS AND UPDATES

DANB and the DALE Foundation have been working closely with the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) for the past sev-eral months on a joint infection prevention and control education and credentialing initiative.

Infection control lapses in dental settings are an ongoing concern, especially since a lapse in in-fection control can have a life-threatening impact. National surveys of dental settings indicate a lack of standardized education and training pro-tocols for all aspects of infection control, not just Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Although numerous infection control resources are available, these resources vary in quality, focus and relevance. These factors were the impetus behind the development of the edu-cation and credentialing collaboration among OSAP, DANB and the DALE Foundation.

This collaboration includes four elements:

• 4-step OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate ProgramTM

• OSAP-DANB Certified in Dental Infection Pre-vention and ControlTM (CDIPCTM) certification

• OSAP-DANB Dental Industry Specialist in In-fection Prevention and ControlTM (DISIPCTM) certification

• OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Control Continuing Dental Education Arti-clesTM (CDEA®) modules

OSAP, DANB and the DALE Foundation will be launching a new website that will provide more details about the collaboration, including informa-tion about how you can get started.

DANB will continue to monitor GC pass rates by eligibility pathway and will report to CDEL again in September 2019.

Pass/Fail Results for DANB National Exams NELDA* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 254 166Pass 132 113Fail 122 53Pass Rate 52% 68%

CDA* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 1812 1820Pass 1320 1543Fail 492 277Pass Rate 73% 84%

GC only FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 2155 2006Pass 1714 1631Fail 441 375Pass Rate 80% 81% ICE only FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 3250 4406 Pass 2655 3573Fail 595 833Pass Rate 82% 81%

RHS only FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 9152 8948Pass 6066 5838Fail 3086 3110Pass Rate 66% 65%

COA* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 48 33Pass 28 19Fail 20 14Pass Rate 58% 58%

OA only FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 47 65Pass 31 49Fail 16 16Pass Rate 66% 75%

RHS/ICE* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 1434 1755 Pass 867 1103Fail 567 652Pass Rate 60% 63%

CPFDA** FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 20 20Pass 5 10Fail 15 10Pass Rate 25% 50%

CP FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 390 421Pass 257 287Fail 133 134Pass Rate 66% 68%

SE FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 39 39Pass 24 26Fail 15 13Pass Rate 62% 67%

TF FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 17 21Pass 10 15Fail 7 6Pass Rate 59% 71%

TA FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 6 4Pass 5 4Fail 1 0Pass Rate 83% 100%

CRFDA*** FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates See below

AMP FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 32 50Pass 20 44Fail 12 6Pass Rate 60% 88%

RF FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 5 20Pass 3 18Fail 2 2Pass Rate 60% 90%

IM FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 2 5Pass 2 5Fail 0 0Pass Rate 100% 100%

TMP FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 12 24Pass 9 19Fail 3 5Pass Rate 75% 79%

IS FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 3 5Pass 3 5Fail 0 0Pass Rate 100% 100%

IM/TMP* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 15 5Pass 11 4Fail 4 1Pass Rate 73% 80%

IS/SE/RF* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total candidates 7 6Pass 5 3Fail 2 3Pass Rate 71% 50%

AMP/TMP/RF* FY 16-17 FY 17-18Total Candidates N/A 12Pass N/A 10Fail N/A 2Pass Rate N/A 83%

The total number of DANB exam candidates testing in FY 17-18 was 21,239, with 19,024 (or 90%) taking national DANB exams and 2,215 (or 10%) taking state-specific exams adminis-tered by DANB.

OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation collaboration website coming soon!“DANB and the DALE Foundation have been working closely with OSAP for over three years on this collaboration,” says DANB and DALE Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Durley, M.Ed., MBA. “One of the benefits of this collabo-ration is that there are a variety of options — so that dental professionals can select the program and path that works best for them.”

“This new website will clearly lay out all of the options and information,” explains OSAP Execu-tive Director Michelle Lee. “We look forward to launching the site as the destination for dental infection control education and credentialing in-formation.”

The new website is expected to launch by January 2019. All certificants, educators and communities of interest will be notified via email once the new website is live. For additional information, stay tuned to the forthcoming OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation website at www.dentalinfectioncontrol.org.

DANB reports exam performance results (cont. from p. 2)

* The number of individuals passing certification and com-bination exams reflects the number who pass all exams combined in that one administration. NELDA certification includes AMP, ICE and RHS exams; CDA certification in-cludes GC, RHS and ICE exams; and COA certification includes OA and ICE exams.

** The CPFDA certification was composed of four compo-nent exams, CP, SE, TF, and TA, until May 1, 2018; based on the results of a content validation study, the certification is now composed of CP, SE and TF. The number passing (10) reflects the number of candidates passing all four CPFDA component exams — CP, SE, TF and TA — in

one administration (through May 8, 2018) or passing the three CPFDA component exams — CP, SE and TF — ad-ministered in one administration between May 9 and Aug. 31, 2018.

*** The number of component exams that make up the CRFDA certification is too many to allow for administration of all six components in one sitting. Therefore, there is no total number of CRFDA exam candidates in any given year. Instead, those candidates who wish to earn CRFDA certification take the six component exams individually or in the combinations of two or three identified in the table.

NEWS AND UPDATES

7Vol. 38, Issue 1 l Winter 2019

is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Rixse is the 2018-2019 presi-dent-elect of the American Dental Assistants As-sociation (ADAA), as well as an ADAA Fellow and Master. She also aspires to join the Ameri-can Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) and work toward becoming an AADOM Fellow, which includes the completion of DALE Foundation office management courses, among other requirements.

“Education has always been a priority for me,” she says.

Sheila Seevers, CDA, of Newberg, Oregon, is currently instructing dental assistants at Portland Community College on a part-time basis. She as-pires to transition into teaching full-time by earn-ing her master’s degree in career and technical education through Concordia University’s online program. Seevers will apply her scholarship to her tuition for this online program.

“Like Liz Koch, I too strongly value continuing edu-cation in whatever field one happens to be pas-sionate about,” Seevers says. “I have a very strong belief that learning is a never-ending process.”

Finalists named for 2018Additionally, this year, the scholarship commit-tee named five finalists, who received access to DALE Foundation products:

• Jennifer Guidetti, CDA

• Jennifer Lizotte, CDA

• Jodie Smith-Mcintosh, CDA

• Addy Sorensen

• Rachel Wetzsteon, CDA

For more information about the scholarship, visit www.dalefoundation.org.

If your New Year’s resolution is to take the next step in your career, now may be the time to consider earning DANB’s Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) certification.

DANB’s CPFDA certification now includes three component exams: Coronal Polish (CP), Sealants (SE) and Topical Fluoride (TF). At the Winter 2018 Board Meeting, DANB’s Board of Directors approved removing the Topical Anesthetic (TA) component exam as one of the required exams to earn CPFDA certification.

The TA exam is still available as a single compo-nent exam, but it is no longer part of the CPFDA exam, and passing it is not required to earn CPFDA certification.

More than 38,000 dental assistants are currently DANB certified, and more than 250 certificants hold DANB’s CPFDA certification.

Currently, 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognize or require DANB exams and certifications to meet state dental assisting re-quirements.

DANB’s CPFDA certification is recognized or re-quired as a step to become an Expanded Func-tion Dental Assistant (EFDA) in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Additionally, DANB’s CP exam

Tess Martin, CDA, of Corry, Pennsylvania, has been DANB certified since February 2017 — and she believes the DALE Founda-tion’s practice tests are one of the rea-sons why.

“I don’t think I would have been as con-fident when tak-ing DANB’s exams without first having purchased the relat-ed DALE Founda-tion practice tests,” says Martin. She prioritized seeking the best study ap-proach in order to pass all the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) component exams and become DANB certified.

In creating her study plan, Martin’s first step was to turn to DANB certified assistants for advice. These assistants whom she admired had successfully prepared to take the DANB exams before, and some also had experience studying while attending a formal dental as-sisting education program.

“I asked them, ‘Do you know of any resources that would help?’” Martin recalls. Ultimately, a colleague steered her toward the DALE Foun-dation. “She said, ‘You have to go to this web-

is recognized in Arizona, New Mexico and Ohio; DANB’s SE exam is recognized in New Mexico and Wyoming; and DANB’s TF exam is recog-nized in New Mexico.

‘Go further’ with CPFDA certificationLaura Ruscio, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, can speak to the benefits of earning multiple DANB certifica-tions, including CPFDA certification — the best thing she says she’s done in her career. “In ad-dition to providing me with knowledge, DANB helped strengthen my skill sets and took the pas-sion I already had for dentistry to a whole new level,” Ruscio explains.

Dental assistant educator Sharon K. Dickinson, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, CDPMA, agrees it’s im-portant to always be thinking about the next cer-tification step. “Never sit back on what you’ve accomplished,” she advises. “Always try to go a step further.”

Prepare to earn CPFDA certificationIf you’re ready get to started, DANB’s exam blue-prints and exam reference materials can help you

create a study plan. Visit the Become Certified section at www.danb.org for more information.

You also may be interested in other study materials, such as those provid-ed by the DALE Foundation, the of-ficial DANB affiliate. The DALE Foun-dation offers several materials to help

you prepare, including the:

• DANB CP Practice Test

• EFDA Practice Test

In addition to serving as a helpful resource to prepare for DANB CPFDA and Certified Re-storative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) exams, the DALE Foundation’s EFDA Practice Test can also help if you’re looking to earn a state-specific expanded function designation, such as EFDA, Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions or Licensed Dental Assis-tant. Visit www.dalefoundation.org to learn more about the EFDA Practice Test and other DALE Foundation study aids.

To learn more about the dental assisting titles and requirements in your state, visit the Meet State Requirements section at www.danb.org.

Apply online for CPFDA certificationIf you’re interested in earning DANB’s CPFDA certification, you can apply online at any time! Learn more by visiting www.danb.org.

site, the DALE Foundation’s, and buy one of their practice tests!’”

Although there are many ways to prepare for DANB exams, and the DALE Foundation’s practice tests and review courses are not re-quired, Martin feels that reviewing with the DALE Foundation’s practice tests helped her on exam day. She believes they helped to boost her confidence and ultimately pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE) and General Chairside Assisting (GC) exams.

“Passing all the CDA component exams was such a relief,” Martin shares. “I actually cried after I passed all of them — it was just really an accomplished feeling.”

Now a DANB certificant — and with four years of assisting experience and an expanded func-tions dental assistant credential in her state — Martin feels she has acquired wisdom to share with those just starting the certification process.

“I can’t stress it enough. I tell every intern who comes to the practice where I work to buy the DALE Foundation practice tests before they take any DANB exam,” she says. “It’s way worth the money to buy them. You can study on your phone from anywhere, so it’s really convenient. They’re priceless.”

To learn more about how the DALE Foun-dation products can help you to achieve your certification and career goals, visit www.dalefoundation.org.

Making a New Year’s resolution? Consider CPFDA certification

Tess Martin: DALE Foundation practice tests are ‘priceless’ resources

Tess Martin, CDA

Scholarship, cont. from p. 1

The DANB MissionDANB’s mission is to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community. We accomplish and measure the success of this mission through the creation of valid dental assisting exams, recertification requirement integrity, and valuable, visible, and accessible DANB exams, certificates, and certifications. We also provide testing services to the oral healthcare community, and information services and resources related to dental assisting credentialing to support DANB’s mission. In order to accomplish these critical outcomes, DANB is committed to a properly governed, financially secure, and administratively sound organization.

Contact DANBwww.danb.org • 1-800-367-3262

Client Servicesdanbmail@danb.org; 1-800-367-3262

Recertification/Audit/CDErecertification@danb.org; ext. 465

Marketing/Certified Presscommunications@danb.org; ext. 417

Exam Application Informationdocreview@danb.org; ext. 465

Test Administrationkkahoa@danb.org; ext. 444

Accounting/Financeakuenster@danb.org; ext. 420

Appeals/Disciplinary Information kcapuano@danb.org; ext. 463

Trademark Informationjgueorguieva@danb.org; ext. 453

State Informationklandsberg@danb.org; ext. 431

DANB Board of DirectorsChairMichael Conte, D.M.D., M.P.H.

Vice ChairDenise Romero, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.A.

Secretary-TreasurerLois Bell, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, FADAA

Karen L. Comisi, CDA, RDA, FADAASandra Garcia, CDA, RDASteven J. Holm, D.D.S.Mary Macomber, J.D.

Meagan Morton, CDAConstance J. Reed, CDA, EFDA, B.S.

Executive DirectorCynthia C. Durley, M.Ed., MBA

Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60611-3985

DANB DETAILS

© 2019 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. All rights reserved. The DANB logo is a registered trademark of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. DANB, DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL BOARD, NELDA, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, CDPMA and COMSA are registered certification marks of DANB. RHS, ICE and MEASURING DENTAL ASSISTING EXCELLENCE are registered service marks of DANB. CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT is a certification mark of DANB. MARK OF DENTAL ASSISTING EXCELLENCE is a service mark of DANB. Use of these marks is strictly prohibited, except as provided in the Usage Guidelines for DANB Trademarks, without the express written permission of DANB. The DALE Foundation, the DALE Foundation logo and CDEA are registered service marks of the DALE Foundation.

You could be next!Congratulations to Krystal Caroline McKee, CDA, who recognized her DANB certification number in the all 2018 issue of Certified Press. If your certification number matches one of the randomly selected numbers below, you can win a $50 e-gift card.

Notify the DANB Marketing Department at communications@danb.org within 30 days. Be sure to include your name, address and certifica-tion number. 143747 224020

214810 223165

234923 141621

By submitting your photos and story to DANB, you grant DANB and its affiliates a royalty-free license to use your content for advertising, promotional or commercial pur-poses, including without limitation, the right to publicly display, perform, reproduce and distribute your content in any media format or medium and through any media channels.

Share your storiesDANB certification benefits dental assistants in many ways. How has DANB certification moved your career forward? Send your stories to communications@danb.org for the chance to be featured in Certified Press.

Calendar of eventsYankee Dental CongressJanuary 31-February 2, Boston, MAwww.yankeedental.com

Star of the South Dental MeetingFebruary 7-8, Houston, TXhttp://starofthesouth.org

Chicago Dental Society Midwinter MeetingFebruary 21-23, Chicago, ILwww.cds.org

American Student Dental Association Annual SessionFebruary 27-March 2, Pittsburgh, PAwww.asdanet.org

Send us your DARW stories and photosFrom March 3-9, 2019, dental teams across the country will be celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW). The theme for 2019, “Today’s Dental Assistants — Polished, Poised & Professional,” acknowledges the growing im-portance of dentistry’s role in healthcare and the responsibilities of dental assistants.

In the summer issue of Certified Press, DANB plans to highlight how dental assistants celebrated DARW. Send DANB your stories and photos from the festivities! Email communiations@danb.org for a chance to see your contribution in print!