Orthodontic Assisting

Apply for DANB’s Orthodontic Assisting (OA) exam. Learn about DANB’s OA exam, how to apply, how to prepare, and what to expect on exam day.
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Timeline & Requirements

TEST WINDOW

60 DAYS

TEST TIME

105 MINUTES

TEST QUESTIONS

140 QUESTIONS

Eligibility Requirements & Pathways

Pathway I

  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience
  • Current or former DANB CDA certification
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway II

  • High school graduation or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway III

  • Completion of an orthodontic assisting preparation course from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
  • Current DANB CDA certification
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Pathway IV

  • Former DANB COA status, or graduation from a CODA-accredited DDS or DMD program in the U.S. or Canada, or graduation from a dental degree program outside the U.S. or Canada
  • Current hands-on CPR, BLS or ACLS from a DANB-accepted provider

Testing Options

Test Center

Read about what to expect when you take your exam in-person at a test center.

DALE Foundation Study Materials

DANB OA Practice Test

Quiz yourself with over 200 practice questions to review the material before you take DANB’s OA exam.

Learn more.

The Orthodontic Assisting exam is a component of the following certifications:

COA