How do I get certified?
Certification requirements vary according to the position in the dental assisting field. See below for specifics. Once certified, you must commit to our Code of Ethics, and maintain your certification with 15 continuing education credits each year.
Level I Dental Assistant or Chairside Assistant:
You must…
- Be an ODAA member
- Graduate from an ODAA-approved educational facility
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
OR - Have worked the equivalent of two years full-time employment as a Chairside Assistant (verified by your employer)
- Complete a HARP-approved radiography course
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
Level II Dental Assistant
You must…
- Be an ODAA member
- Have attained the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) certificate
- Complete a Level II ODAA-approved educational program
- Complete a Level II continuing education program
- Pass both a written and hands-on clinical practical exam with a grade of at least 65%
Dental Receptionist:
You must…
- Be an ODAA member
- Complete an ODAA-approved educational program
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
OR - Take the ODAA Distance Education Dental Receptionist Program
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
OR - Have worked the equivalent of two years full-time as a Dental Receptionist (verified by your employer)
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
Treatment Coordinator:
You must…
- Be a Certified Dental Assistant
- Take an ODAA-approved course for Treatment Coordinator –OR- have worked the equivalent of two years full-time as a Treatment Coordinator (verified by employer)
- Pass the Certification Exam with a grade of 65 or better
I’m a student. Why should I become a member of ODAA?
As a student, you can join the ODAA for a discounted rate of $40.00 (GST included) and take advantage of the many benefits of membership. You will be part of the largest provincial dental assisting Association with the lobbying power of almost 8,000 members. Student membership places your name on the mailing list of ODAA as well as CDAA (Canadian Dental Assistants' Association). ODAA publishes a magazine called The Journal, three times per year and the CDAA publishes a National Journal two times per year. In these publications, you will be informed about the profession of dental assisting and how it relates to your chosen career. You are also entitled to exclusive membership benefits, such as a discounted membership with GoodLife Fitness Clubs. Download a student application form here.
Does the NDAEB (National Dental Assisting Examining Board) certificate give me Provincial Ontario Certification?
No. You must apply for certification or registration in the province where you wish to practice. The NDAEB certificate is one requirement that must be met to apply for certification in the Province of Ontario.
Who has to write the NDAEB examination?
Graduates of a Level II dental assisting program are required to write and successfully pass the NDAEB Level II examination if they wish to use their Level II skills in a dental office in the Province of Ontario.
Once I’m certified, how do I maintain my certification?
A letter explaining how to maintain your certification will be included with your membership/certification card after your certification application has been processed. In general, you must collect 15 continuing education credits each year to keep your certification status, and renew your membership annually.
When do I begin collecting my 15 continuing education credits?
Continuing education is required once you are certified.
How do I collect continuing education credits?
There are many different ways to collect credits. For example, affiliate meetings are worth three credits each. Any Dental, Medical or Business related courses are worth credits. Click here for more information.
If you have additional questions about the ODAA, please contact us. We'll be happy to provide further information.