CHICAGO (May 29, 2013) – The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) has just introduced a new certification program for dental assistants: Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA).
The CRFDA certification program is made up of six component exams: Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP); Impressions (IM); Temporaries (TMP); Isolation (IS); Sealants (SE); and Restorative Functions (RF). To earn CRFDA certification, dental assistants must pass all six component exams within three years. There are no eligibility requirements for the AMP, IM, TMP, IS or SE component exams; however, there are eligibility requirements for the RF component exam and for earning and maintaining CRFDA certification.
DANB pretested the CRFDA certification program in 2012, and the first CRFDA certifications were issued in January this year. The CRFDA application packets became available in April, and testing through Pearson VUE testing centers began on May 1. There are currently dental assistants working in 26 different states who have earned CRFDA certification.
"DANB is committed to promoting public protection and enhancing dental assistant job satisfaction by providing a defined career ladder for the dental assisting profession," said DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley, M.Ed., MBA. "The CRFDA certification program is one way DANB is meeting the always-advancing and ever-changing needs of the field."
DANB certificants said there are many reasons to earn CRFDA certification – such as demonstrating commitment and professionalism to their field, setting an example to others and maintaining a professional edge.
Julie Davis, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, said her certifications are an asset to the office and a point of pride when working with patients. "I felt it was really important to demonstrate to my patients that I go the extra mile," she explained. "It’s a way for me to improve myself and benefit the office. I learned so much in the studying process."
Many dental assisting educators and program directors said CRFDA certification was something they felt they had the responsibility to earn – for themselves, their programs and their students. "I decided to earn CRFDA certification to further my professional career and show my students what is out there and how much they can achieve," said Kim Plate, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA.
To learn more about DANB’s CRFDA certification, visit the "Exams and Certifications" section of DANB’s website, or call DANB at 1-800-367-3262.
About DANB
DANB is recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certification board for dental assistants. DANB’s certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. DANB serves the public by promoting a means of identifying qualified and competent dental assistants and by measuring and promoting excellence in oral healthcare delivery. As a Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence™, DANB certification is a source of pride for those who achieve it. Currently, there are more than 35,000 DANB certificants nationwide, and DANB certifications and certificates of knowledge-based competency are recognized or required in 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
