How to Prepare for the Dental Assistant Certification Exam

If you want to become a dental assistant, the Certified Dental Assistant exam, offered by the Dental Assisting National Board is one way to establish your credentials . The CDA test validates your knowledge of chairside dental assisting, infection control, and radiation health and safety. Passing the exam is a milestone that qualifies you for a license in your state. But to pass the exam, you need to prepare through training, experience, and plenty of studying.

What Is the Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) Exam?

The CDA exam consists of three separate tests: Radiation Health and Safety; Infection Control, and General Chairside Assisting. You may take each test separately or all sections as one exam, but you can save money by taking them as a combo. Individually, the tests cost $270 each, but grouped together, the total cost is $450. The combo exam includes 250 questions, and you have three hours and 15 minutes to complete all three tests.

Complete Dental Assisting Training to Get Ready for the CDA Exam

CDA test prep is critical to success on the exam and in your career. To prepare for the exam, enroll in a dental assisting training program and apply for the exam before you graduate. There's no better way to learn the basics of dentistry and to gain hands-on experience in chairside assisting. Look for a program that incorporates certified dental assisting exam preparation into the curriculum and includes basic life support certification. Your training should also cover important topics such as instrument disinfection and sterilization, restorative procedures and prosthodontics, and the importance of oral hygiene. And you should learn how to transfer instruments to the dentist and how to take dental X-rays. The knowledge you gain through your program will prepare you for the exam and a career as a dental assistant.

Participate in a Dental Assistant Internship

After spending some time in the classroom and laboratory, practice your skills in a real-world setting through a dental assistant internship. Gaining experience at a local dental office allows you to work on your chairside procedures and basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The internship solidifies the knowledge and skills you need for the exam.

Pro tip: Tell the other dental assistants on staff that you're prepping for the Certified Dental Assisting exam and ask for their help. They can let you know what to expect from the tests and even quiz you on the basics of dentistry covered in the exam.

Study for the Certified Dental Assistant Exam

To prep for any exam, you need sufficient time to absorb the material and understand the concepts. Build some time into your schedule that is just for studying. The Dental Assisting National Board recommends you study a few hours each week for one to two months prior to your exam date. This prevents you from cramming for the exam and accommodates your busy calendar. Some other suggestions that can help you prepare include:

Designate a Study Spot for Dental Assistant Exam

Find a quiet place in your home where you can set up a study station. This might be in your bedroom, kitchen, or home office. Make sure there are no distractions. Mute your phone or turn off your notifications so you can focus on the material.

Use the Dental Assistant Exam Outlines

The Dental Assisting National Board provides exam outlines for each test on the Certified Dental Assisting Exam. Download each outline and use it as a guide. The outline will tell you what specific topics are covered, the number of multiple-choice questions, and the amount of time you will have to complete each test. The outlines also provide suggested resources that you can use to explore more about a particular topic.

Enlist Your Friends and Family to Help You Prepare

Support is always helpful when you face a big test. Ask your friends and family to help you study. Create flashcards and have them quiz you. It will make the time go by faster and it will add an element of fun to your study sessions.

How to Prepare for Dental Assistant Exam Day

Before you know it, it will be time to take the test. In the days leading up to the exam, get plenty of rest, eat well, and stay hydrated. The night before the exam, get a good night's sleep and be sure to eat and drink before you head to the testing site. Here are a few more tips:

• Bring an ID - You must provide a photo ID such as a passport or driver's license at the testing site.
• Dress Comfortably - Be sure you're in comfortable clothes so you can focus on the questions, and not on what you're wearing.
• Review Your Answers - Once you move on to the next question, you will not be able to go back and change an answer. Be sure to review each answer carefully before you submit it.

If you want to prep for the exam, and for a career in dental assisting, contact Lincoln Tech today. We offer a Dental Assistant training program that ca n prepare you for an entry-level career in a dental office. Our instructors have years of experience and are ready to help you succeed. Our program also prepares you for the Certified Dental Assistant exam and BLS certification. Fill out the form to learn more.