To become a certified dental assistant, you must first be a member of ODAA and then apply for certification.
To qualify for certification, you must have successfully completed an approved college dental assisting program, and also have passed the appropriate entry to practice examination. For Level I assistants and receptionists, this would be the ODAA certification examination. For Level II or intra-oral assistants the candidate must fulfill all National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam requirements.
Furthermore, all certified dental assistants must abide by our Code of Ethics.
Certification credits
Certified dental assistants must achieve and maintain their certification as proof of their personal conviction to their career.
Each certified member must earn 15 credits per year in order to keep his/her certification status current. Credit-earning activities include continuing education or home study courses, attending affiliate meetings and conferences, holding a position on the ODAA executive panel, performing community service and more.
Below is a list of the ways you can earn your credits and the number of credits awarded for each.
In addition, the ODAA accepts all continuing education courses that enhance your career.
Credits will be granted upon successful completion of the course or upon successful completion of each year of course.
All courses taken must be verifiable.
To receive your credits, please fax or mail photocopied documentation regarding courses to the ODAA office. (See Contact Us for correct address and fax number).
Check your certification status
| Dental Related Meetings / Conferences | Credits |
| ODAA Affiliate Education Meetings (min. 2hrs)** | 3 |
| Dental Conference / Convention (per day to a maximum of 10) | 5 |
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| Courses: (Dental, Health, Office Administration) | Credits |
| In-Office Dental, Health or Business Related Seminar (less than 2 hrs) | 1 |
| Lunch and Learn | 1 |
| Internet Courses (maximum 3 per year) | 1 |
| WHMIS | 1 |
| Education Course 2-5 hours, including CPR and First Aid Courses | 3 |
| Education Course 6-8 hours or 1 full day | 5 |
| Education Course 2 full days or more | 10 |
| Secondary School / College / University / Technical Credit Course | 12 |
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| Individual Study Programs | Credits |
| ODAA Home Study Course | 5 |
| Written Report on Health/Dental Video (1 per year) | 3 |
| ODAA Journal Post Test / Survey | 2 |
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| Volunteer Work within ODAA and/or Dentistry | Credits |
| Volunteer work | 1-10* |
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*Credits for volunteer work will be individually assessed and members should contact the ODAA office for more clarification. Volunteer work will be based on hours involved. Affiliate volunteers are eligible for 10credits.
**If you attend affiliate meetings, please sign in on the attendance sheets with your name and membership number. These attendance forms will then be sent to the ODAA office. |