Chicago (July 8, 2013) — Last month, the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) hosted a forum to discuss its new, upcoming certification program: the Certified Entry Level Dental Assistant (CELDA).

Representatives and other individuals from DANB's communities of interest attended the forum, held June 17, 2013. DANB's CELDA certification, which is still in the development stage, is expected to be launched in 2014.

"The information and ideas the group discussed at the forum will help DANB's Board of Directors make informed decisions about the new CELDA certification program," said DANB Board Chair Frank Maggio, D.D.S.

The CELDA certification program is another way in which DANB fulfills its mission to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community. Additionally, DANB's CELDA certification program will give entry-level dental assistants a jump-start on the career ladder.

"Dental assistants enter the profession through many different pathways," explained DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley, M.Ed., MBA. "Many are on-the-job trained and must therefore wait at least two years before being eligible for DANB's CDA certification exam. Many dental assistants — as well as the dental community and the public — will benefit from the availability of an entry-level certification."

Like DANB's other certification programs, there will be a number of different eligibility pathways to earn CELDA certification. It is important to note the CELDA certification program will be a new and additional step on the career ladder, with its own unique eligibility pathways for those who do not yet qualify for DANB's full CDA certification.

With the new CELDA certification, DANB's vision of the career ladder includes:

• Passing DANB's Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams

• Earning DANB's CELDA certification

• Earning DANB's CDA and/or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certification

• Earning DANB's Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) and/or Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certification

Each state defines its own regulations and requirements for dental assistants, and in most states, there are no eligibility requirements to work as an entry-level dental assistant. DANB supports states' rights and believes that a defined dental assisting career ladder can help states determine any licensure, registration and certification requirements for dental assistants, as well as how to best meet access to oral healthcare needs.