Newsletters
Winter 2012 Newsletter Click Here
Fall 2011 Newsletter Click Here
January 2011 Newsletter Click Here
Fall 2010 Newsletter Click Here
Summer 2010 Newsletter Click Here
DANB's RHS Exam Now Required in Pennsylvania
CHICAGO (June 18, 2009) - Dental assistants in Pennsylvania are now required to pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, which is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB), in order to meet state requirements to perform dental radiological procedures.
This makes a total of 37 states, plus Washington, D.C., that recognize or require dental assistants to pass one or more of DANB's national exams in order to meet state dental assisting rules or regulations. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry's requirement of DANB's RHS exam brings the dental assisting profession one step closer to national uniformity of state dental board radiography requirements.
After passing DANB's RHS exam, dental assistants must complete an application for authorization to perform dental radiological procedures, which can be found on the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry's website at http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/lib/bpoa/20/denbd/radiology_application.pdf . Upon issuance of authorization to perform dental radiological procedures, dental assistants who work in Pennsylvania may only perform dental radiological procedures on the premises of a dentist under the direct supervision of the dentist.
The DANB-Pennsylvania RHS agreement went into effect on June 9, and in July, DANB will begin issuing monthly reports of passing RHS candidates in Pennsylvania to this state's dental board. Dentists and employers from across the United States can call DANB to verify if a dental assistant has passed the RHS exam. Dental assistants who are already authorized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry to perform radiological procedures, or who have already passed DANB's RHS exam, do not need to retest. All who have not yet submitted the application required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry, as noted above, must do so.
For more information on DANB's RHS exam, visit www.danb.org or call 1-800-FOR-DANB. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry can be reached at http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=432687 or by calling 717-783-7162.
About DANB
DANB is recognized by the American Dental Association as the premier national certification and testing agency for dental assistants. DANB's certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. DANB serves the public by promoting a means of identifying qualified and competent dental assistants and by measuring and promoting excellence in oral healthcare delivery. As a Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence, DANB Certification is a source of pride for those who achieve it. Currently, there are more than 31,000 DANB Certifcants nationwide, and DANB certifications and Certificates of Competency are recognized or required in 38 states. For those dental assistants who meet the eligibility and exam requirements, Certification may be earned in the areas of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and/or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA). In addition to these two national credentials, DANB offers Certificates of Competency in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE). The RHS and ICE exams are components of the CDA exam, and ICE is also a component of the COA exam. Individuals may take these components separately in order to earn Certificates of Competency. Passing either or both of these exams demonstrates a dental assistant's competency in these two areas that are important to the health and safety of oral healthcare workers and patients alike.
About the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry
The State Board of Dentistry, through the licensure of dentists and dental hygienists and the certification of expanded function dental assistants, insures that such individuals are suitable and qualified. The Board issues, suspends and revokes licenses and certificates. In addition, the Board supervises dentists, dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants to insure that they are complying with licensure and certification requirements and investigates complaints made against these individuals. The Board develops standards of professional conduct, including continuing education requirements, in order to maintain a high level of integrity and performance in the practice of dentistry.
Category: