How to Prepare for the CDA Exam

Weekend Dental Assistant School Prepares Students 

It’s important to know and understand the difference in exams offered and what your state requirements are. While certification is not required for dental assistants in the state of Wisconsin, below are exams and certifications commonly taken by many dental assistants. If you plan to grow your career outside of Wisconsin, be sure to check with your state requirements before preparing.

• Certified Dental Assistant  (CDA)
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)
• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) 

Better your Career and Become A Certified Dental Assistant

The CDA exam consists of 3 separate exams: RHS, ICE and GC. Near or upon graduating Dental Assistant school, students frequently ask how they should be studying and preparing themselves for the CDA exam. While every person is different and there is no perfect approach to studying for a DANB Certification, Weekend Dental Assistant School has put together some tips to help guide you along the way.

With different levels of dental assistant training and experience, the method of preparing for an exam should be unique to your individual needs. Continue reading for recommendations on developing the right study plan to ensure you pass with flying colors and find more information on becoming DANB certified now. 

DANB’s Blueprint is Essential Study Material 

DANB recommends preparing for an exam with an exam blueprint. DANB’s exam blueprints outline every topic that you may find on a particular exam. Review each topic and identify the areas in which you need further study. You may determine that you need to study each topic in the exam blueprint, or just concentrate on weaker areas. 

Find Out More About DANB’s Exam Blueprints 

CDA Study Guides

Weekend Dental Assistant School recommends purchasing a study guide to help prepare for your upcoming exam. There are serveral study guides available online to choose from or you can purchase one of WDAS's favorite DANB test review right now! This CDA study guide reviews the following topics: 

• Charting
• Oral Lesions
• Amalgam
• Dental Cements
• Prosthodontics
• Vitamins
• CPR
• Ethics
• Dental Insurance
• ADA Guidelines for Taking Radiographs

There are eligibility requirements for taking the full CDA exam and GC component exam so be sure to know your eligibility before taking the CDA exam.