One option for candidates is to graduate from an accredited dental assistant program. Dental assistant programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. As of 2010, there are over 250 accredited dental assistant programs in the United States. These programs prepare candidates to pass the examination and to be successful dental assistants.
Graduates who have worked as dental assistants for between two and four years are permitted to sit for the exam. A minimum of 3,500 work hours is required to qualify under this option. Candidates may enter the field before becoming certified, but must become certified within four years.
Former certified dental assistants are also permitted to take the exam. Assistants who have left the field and desire to return must take the exam to become re-certified. Candidates who were formerly certified dental assistants in other countries may also sit for the exam to become certified in the United States. Candidates who are former certified dental assistants must posses a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate in order to take the exam.