Setting the Standard for Excellence: Professional Organization Prepares Canditates for Success
Dental offices are relying more and more on Certified Dental AssistantsTM (CDA®), who need a combination of clinical and interpersonal skills to perform an increasingly wide variety of tasks. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor estimates that the demand for dental assistants is expected to grow by 19% over the next six years. For the country’s more than 38,000 Dental Assisting National BoardTM, Inc. (DANB®) Certified Assistants, the future is bright and poised for unprecedented growth.
KRD sat down with Executive Director, Cindy Durley and CFO, Mike Porcaro recently to learn more about the non-profit organization’s mission and the future of the profession.
Driven by Purpose.
Since its inception over 50 years ago, DANB has been recognized as the national certification agency for dental assistants, providing required exams and certification programs that ensure a standardized level of education and knowledge-based competence, which benefits the oral healthcare profession and the public.
“DANB is the only dental assistant certification agency recognized by the American Dental Association,” comments Cindy Durley, DANB Executive Director. “As a leading advocate for the assistants, patients, and other stakeholders, we are always looking for new solutions, services, and resources that promote excellence in oral healthcare.”
Committed to Quality.
Sound research and interactive education are two key areas that the DALE Foundation (Dental Auxiliary Learning and Education), DANB’s official affiliate, focuses on to promote oral health and create higher standards of practice in dental assisting.
The DALE Foundation’s e-learning courses and study aids, including review courses for exams and certificate programs, provide continuing education opportunities for all dental team members, which support exam candidates in attaining DANB certifications.
DANB certifications are recognized by the dental profession as a sign of achievement and commitment to quality oral healthcare delivery. According to Durley, a DANB certification is also a source of pride for the assistant, and on a more quantifiable level, can help with career advancement, earning power, and job satisfaction.
“DANB’s certification programs and related component exams are currently recognized or required by 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs in order for dental assistance to perform specific dental assisting duties,” notes Durley. “The opportunities for DANB certificants continue to grow and we look forward to helping them advance from where they are now to where they can be, succeeding both personally and professionally.”
DANB Executive Director Cindy Durley (second from right) celebrates the 70th anniversary of DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification with industry colleagues.
Partnered for Success
When it comes to planning and guiding their financial affairs, DANB’s Board of Directors, with guidance from CFO Mike Porcaro, knew they would need to work with a partner who possesses an extensive knowledge and experience in the not-for-profit space.
“Jon Segal, Chad Porter and their colleagues at KRD are instrumental in helping the agency with financial planning and advice,” comments Porcaro. “Their commitment to best practices and continued improvement go hand in hand with our vision and that makes for a winning partnership.”
