Everything Dental Assistant Grads Need to Know About the NDAEB Exam

After you’ve taken the chance to celebrate completing your dental assistant program/dental assistant course, it’s time to set your sights on certification … for credibility and to give you that competitive edge as you explore career opportunities.

If you’ve attended a leading-edge dental assistant college, then you should be poised with the knowledge, training and eligibility to take the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam. But there are specific details, from preparation and registration to cost, that you need to understand to navigate the process with success.

While it may seem a little daunting to tackle, worry not. With this overview and guide, you’ll soar through the process with ease.

All Dental Assistant Grads Need to Know About the NDAEB and the Certification Process

What is the NDAEB and What Does Certification Mean for You?

The National Dental Assisting Examination Board, or NDAEB, is an independent board endorsed by many dental assisting associations and regulatory bodies and holds incredible significance in Canada’s dental industry. It ensures that dental assistants adhere to the required competency standards. Due to the NDAEB establishing stringent standards and conducting impartial assessments, it also contributes to the overall excellence of dental healthcare and prioritizes patient safety across the country.

The NDAEB examination, is a comprehensive assessment evaluating a candidate’s knowledge and skills. Successful completion of this exam results in certification and nationwide recognition that you are a qualified professional.

• The NDAEB certificate is a one-time acquisition that does not require annual renewal.
• An NDAEB certificate is presently required for all new dental assisting graduates seeking registration/licensure in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Dental assistants are urged to contact the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authority in the province they intend to work in for details regarding licensure requirements, including the need to hold the NDAEB certificate.

Who Can Apply for NDAEB Certification?

You are eligible for this dental assistant certification if you:

• Have completed a Canadian dental assisting program recognized by the NDAEB.
• Have received both theoretical and clinical training with an in-office placement.

What Education is Required?

A leading-edge program that is held to the highest standards and recognized by the NDAEB, will provide you with the vital foundation for not only paving the way for eligibility to try the certification exam but a thriving career in dental assisting.

At Anderson College, we offer two Intra-Oral Dental Assistant Level I and II programs, based in various cities across Ontario. Each are recognized by the NDAEB and are HARP approved (Healing Arts Radiation Protection) by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. We have a track record for students, not only cruising through their NDAEB exams successfully but thriving in careers after graduation.

Both programs can be completed within one year, are taught by industry experts, within small-sized classes allowing for a personalized education, cover theoretical and hands-on training in state-of-the-art dental labs and include practicums offsite with potential employers.

How to Register?

The NDAEB begins accepting exam applications six weeks before the exam date. For the NDAEB exam application form, go to the Written Exam section on NDAEB website, or click here.

About two to three weeks before the exam date, you’ll receive an email providing you with the details you need for the Candidate Portal and your letter of admission. In this letter, you will find out the time, date and location of your exam.

When that time comes, here is the link to the Candidate Portal Login.

What is the Exam Timeframe and Cost?

Exams are processed on a first come, first served basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. You’ll want to read the Candidate Handbook in full. You can find the latest NDAEB Exam Schedule here.

Costs:

• For a full and up-to-date account of the fees you will need to cover, go to NDAEB Schedule of Fees.

What to Know and How to Prepare?

The exam is made up of 200 multiple choice questions, is available in English and French, and must be completed within 4 hours (unless extra time has been granted to you by the NDAEB by special request).

How Best to Prepare:

1. Know Your NDAEB Exam Blueprint. Topics and subtopics to be covered include:

• Section 1: Ethical and Legal Practice as a Dental Assistant (approximately 5%)
• Section 2: Dental Sciences (7-12%)
• Section 3: Clinical Support Procedures (10-15%)
• Section 4: Patient Records (10-12%)
• Section 5: Patient Care Procedures (40-50%)
• Section 6: Practice Management Procedures (5-10%)
• Section 7: Preventive Procedures (15-20%)

2. Tap Your Resources:

• Textbooks – make sure you’ve connected with your instructors to determine the textbooks that can best support you in studying.
• Radiation Protection in Dentistry, Safety Procedures – Gov of Canada
• Code of Ethics – Canadian Dental Assistants Association.
• WHMIS – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice:

• Canadie Dental Assistant Licensing Board Exam Prep
• Practice Questions
• NDAEB Preparation Test – you can take this test once you’ve registered for the exam, for a fee of $75. It includes 75 multiple-choice questions and one attempt is allowed.
• NDAEB Sample Questions – there are a few questions in the Candidate Handbook that give you an idea of what’s expected.
• Study Groups – Although at Anderson College, our instructors work closely with students to ensure they are prepped and supported for the exam, it is a terrific idea to also connect with your classmates and study, prepare and test one another.

What’s a Passing Score?

Passing scores can vary between the low and mid-60% range, depending on the questions appearing on each test paper. Less challenging forms of the exam tend to require a higher passing score, more difficult exams a lower passing score.

What do you Need to Know About Exam Results?

• You should receive your NDAEB exam results within 6 weeks of the exam date.
• You will log in to your Candidate Portal to view them. You won’t receive a paper copy by post or via email.
• After you learn you’ve passed (YEA!), before you receive your certificate, you will need to send the NDAEB your diploma or final transcript of your dental assisting education program.
• The NDAEB will automatically release the exam results to the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authority (CDARA) in the province in which the candidate wrote the exam.
• If you fail, you can rewrite the exam up to 3 times. If you fail after 3 attempts, then you will need to begin again and retake the dental assisting program in entirety.

As you look to become a dental assistant, NDAEB certification is necessary. But it need not be daunting. The exam is an extraordinary way to demonstrate your knowledge and training and with the right guidance and preparation you will ace it and be on your way to launching an in-demand, soaring dental career.

If you’re still determining if this field is for you, take the “Dental Professional Career Discovery Quiz”.

If you’re reviewing this NDAEB exam strategy before you’ve embarked on the foundational education you need and are looking for an Intra Oral Dental Assistant program, we’re here to help you navigate the steps to get there. Book a virtual appointment with on of our Admissions Advisors and let’s get you started!

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Intra Oral Dental Assistant program – Anderson College
• Dental Assistant Grads Share All – Insights on Our Program and Your Future
• Your Top Career Options as a Dental Assistant Grad
• Healthcare Careers You Can Launch in 2 Years or Less