Dental Assistant School Accreditation Dental assistant school accreditation, in practical terms, is a “stamp of approval,” a sign that an institution ascribes to, believes in, and has met an external set of basic criteria for its dental assisting programs. In all cases, it indicates that a school adheres to basic threshold standards in a fashion that provides a foundation of academic strength and operational integrity.  There are several important reasons to attend an accredited dental assistant school. Accreditation serves the following purposes: - Assuring quality programs
- Easing transfer of courses and credits among schools
- Providing access to federal financial aid
- Creating employer confidence when hiring
The agency responsible for accrediting dental assistant schools and deciding whether or not they meet the standards for accreditation is the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Professional Organizations for Dental Assistants The following three professional organizations are useful resources for finding accreditation information: American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) The American Dental Assistants Association is the national professional organization for dental assistants. Their stated mission is "to advance the careers of dental assistants and to promote the dental assisting profession in matters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activities which enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the public." 203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1320
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1225
Tel: (312) 541-1550
Fax: (312) 541-1496 Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) DANB is the nationally recognized, premier certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants. By providing high standards for testing and dental assistant certification, DANB ensures that the public receives quality dental care from qualified individuals. 444 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60611-3985
Tel: (312) 642-3368
Fax: (312) 642-1475
Toll-free number: 1-800-FOR-DANB Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) CODA is the accrediting body operating under the American Dental Association to establish accreditation standards for dental programs. By providing standards for dental assistant schools, CODA helps to ensure that students receive the quality education they need and that the public continues to receive care from skilled professionals. 203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1320
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1225
Tel: 312.541.1550
Fax: 312.541.1496 Preparing for Dental Assistant School If you have questions about dental assistant school accreditation or would like more information about career requirements, you can learn more by tapping into resources in your own community. Contact your dentist or your local branch of a professional association to find out more about dental assisting careers. Perhaps you can arrange for a brief visit to a dental office to observe dental assistants at work. You can also contact an accredited dental assistant school and arrange to talk with a counselor or visit a campus near you.  |
