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Accreditation & Organizations

A resource for dental assisting schools and professional organizations.

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Accreditation

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 programs. In all cases, it indicates that threshold standards are adhered to in a fashion that provides a base of academic strength and operational integrity.

There are several important reasons to attend an accredited school. Accreditation serves the following purposes:

  • Assuring quality programs
  • Easing transfer of courses and programs among other schools
  • Accessing federal financial aid
  • Creating employer confidence when hiring

The agency responsible for accrediting dental assisting programs and deciding whether or not they meet the standards for accreditation is the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

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Professional Organizations

The following two 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.

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.

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

The CDA is the accrediting body under the ADA that establish a accreditation standards by which to evaluate dental programs.

203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1320
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1225
Tel: 312.541.1550 Fax: 312.541.1496

Contact your dentist or the state and local dental society component of the American Dental Association in your area. 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 assisting program and arrange to talk with a counselor and visit the school.

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Spotlight Schools

Sanford-Brown Institute

Sanford-Brown Institute's dental assistant program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to assist the dentist with total management of their office.


Sanford-Brown College

Sanford-Brown Institute's dental assistant program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to assist the dentist with total management of their office.


San Joaquin Valley College

Dental assisting programs at San Joaquin College are designed to prepare you to work under the supervision of a dentist. Programs include hands-on training, patient care, office administration and laboratory duties.