Salaries Continue to Rise for DANB Certified Assistants
According to the just-released 2008 DANB Certificant Salary Survey, pay rates for DANB Certified Assistants have risen more than 9 percent in the last two years, and remain higher than national averages for non-DANB Certified assistants.
The full-time respondents reported earning a median salary of $18.00 per hour, $1.50 more than in 2006. DANB Certified Assistants also earn $2.38 more than non-DANB Certified Assistants, according to adjusted figures from a 2007 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey.
DANB Certified Assistants in specialty practices make more than those employed in general dental practice, with periodontal assistants earning the most, with a median salary $19.00 per hour. Of the Certified Assistants who responded to the survey, 49% have taken an expanded functions course since becoming certified.
DANB Certified Assistants continue to report career and employer loyalty. Respondents have an average of 16.7 years of field experience and have been in their current position for an average of 9.4 years. Both of these figures are up from the 2006 survey.
Other key figures include:
- 73% of respondents work full time, with a median salary of $18.00
- 82% work in private practice, with a median salary of $18.00
- 67% work in general dentistry, with a median salary of $17.75
- DANB Certified Assistants report a median length of employment as a dental assistant of 16 years. Respondents working in the profession for 16-20 years earn a median salary of $18.00
- Respondents working in metropolitan areas earn a median salary of $18.98
For more information, see highlights from the 2008 DANB Certificant Salary Survey.
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About DANB
DANB is the nationally recognized premier certification and credentialing
agency for dental assistants. Since 1948, the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB), a nonprofit organization,
has played a vital role in the oral healthcare community. Recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA)
as the national credentialing agency for dental assistants, DANB serves the public good by providing a means of
identifying qualified and competent dental assistants and by measuring and promoting excellence
in oral healthcare delivery. DANB exam programs are accredited by the National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
As a Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence™, DANB Certification is a source of pride for those who achieve it. For those dental assistants who meet the eligibility and exam requirements, certification may be earned in one or more of the following areas: • Certified Dental Assistant – CDA®
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant – COA®
In addition to these three national credentials, DANB offers Certificates of Competency in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS®) and Infection Control (ICE®). Passing either or both of these exams allows a dental assistant to demonstrate competence in these two areas that are very important to the health and safety of oral healthcare workers and patients alike. The RHS and ICE exams are components of the CDA exam. ICE is also a component of the COA exam. Individuals have the opportunity to take these components separately and earn separate certificates, which make an impressive demonstration of personal achievement.
To learn more about credentialing, please read: The NOCA Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts
DANB is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The National Commission For Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a NOCA Commission with responsibility for accrediting credentialing programs, has evaluated DANB national certification exam programs, (CDA, COA, CDPMA and COMSA), including DANB component exams (RHS, ICE, GC and OA) and found DANB programs meet NCCA’s highest standards, thus helping to assure validity, reliability, and objectivity in the testing process. DANB Executive Director Cynthia C. Durley, MEd, MBA, completed a six-year term on the NCCA, (Chair in 2003 and 2004) and is currently NOCA’s President.
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DANB News
November 2008
Nominations for the Hazel O. Torres award are still being accepted. In her trust, Ms. Torres granted $2,000 to be awarded on a one-time basis to an outstanding DANB-Certified dental assistant. Nominees must have five years of continuous DANB certification, and can be nominated by others or self-nominated. To nominate a dental assistant, please submit an essay detailing the nominee’s commitment to dental assisting through leadership skills, support of DANB certification beyond maintaining Certification, and demonstration of raising the level of professionalism in dental assisting. Submissions also require two letters of recommendation, one personal and one from a dental professional, as well as the individual’s name, address and telephone number.
Submissions must be received by January 16, 2008. Send materials to DANB/Hazel O. Torres Memorial Award, 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611 or fax to 312-642-1475.
October 2008
Look for DANB at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 in New York!
State-Specific Information
Information on State-Specific Job Titles, Rules and Regulations is Now Available on DANB's State Specific Information Page.
Benefits of DANB Certification
Read about the many benefits of DANB Certification in the Benefits Abound article.
Press Releases
10/16/2008 - Salaries Continue to Rise for DANB Certified Dental Assistants
6/24/08 - GiaQuinta Named DANB’s Director of Marketing and Communications
5/7/08 - DANB's CDPMA Exam to be Discontinued
Contact DANB
Brenda Fell , CDA, CDPMA
Chair, DANB Board of Directors
Cynthia C. Durley, MEd, MBA
Executive Director
Mary GiaQuinta
Director of Marketing and Communications
312-280-3415
Address:
444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 900 Chicago, Illinois 60611
Telephone:
1-800-FOR-DANB
(or 312-642-3368)
Fax:
312-642-1475
E-mail:
Click here to send e-mail to DANB
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