If you need help studying for the DANB General Chairside Assisting (GC) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free DANB GC practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the DANB GC exam, you’ll have to meet at least ONE of the requirements below:
- You need to have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental assisting/hygiene program and have a current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification.
- You need at least 3,500 hours of work experience and a current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification.
- In addition to holding a current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification, you either need former DANB CDA status or need to have graduated from one of the following:
- A DDS or DMD program
- A dental degree program outside the US
- A post-bachelors program on DANB’s list of accepted programs
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
About the Exam
The DANB General Chairside Assisting exam is just one part of the overall DANB CDA exam. To obtain your CDA certification, you’ll need to pass this exam AND the other two components:
What’s on the Exam?
There are 95 questions on the exam, which are grouped into four sections, and the time limit is 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes).
Let’s take a closer look at each section of the exam:
1. EVALUATION
17% of the exam
- Preliminary exam
- Head, neck, and oral cavity
- Charting conditions of the oral cavity
- Treatment documentation
- Medical conditions that can cause medical complications/emergencies
2. PATIENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
17% of the exam
- Patient management
- Oral health education
- Administration
3. CHAIRSIDE DENTISTRY
50% of the exam
- Four-handed dentistry
- Intraoral procedures
- Armamentarium
4. DENTAL MATERIALS
16% of the exam
- Impression materials
- Operative materials
- Lab materials
Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT)
The DANB GC exam is a computer-adaptive test. Basically, this means that the questions will become harder or easier as you go through the exam, based on how well you’re answering the questions.
For example, say you answered the first question correctly. The first question is of medium difficulty, so the next question will be slightly harder. Then, let’s say you answered the second question incorrectly. The next question would then be a medium question.
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on DANB’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things). When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the application fee, which is $75.
As soon as you receive authorization to test, you can register to take the exam. You’ll need to pay the $270 testing fee as part of the registration process.
DANB General Chairside Assisting Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The DANB GC exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You will need a score of 400 to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exams is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the exam as many times as you need.
FAQs
How many questions are on the DANB GC exam?
The exam contains 95 questions.
What is the time limit for the DANB GC exam?
The exam is timed at 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What is the passing score for the DANB GC exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 400 to pass.
How much does the DANB GC exam cost?
The exam fee is $270.