How to Pass the DANB Dental Assistant CDA Exam: 2026 Study Guide
The DANB CDA credential requires passing ICE, RHS, and GC component exams. This guide covers each component, key content areas, and study strategies to earn your Certified Dental Assistant credential.
TL;DR
The DANB CDA credential requires passing three 100-question exams (90 minutes each): ICE (Infection Control), RHS (Radiation Health and Safety), and GC (General Chairside). Passing score is 400 on a 100-900 scale. You can take components in any order. ICE and RHS have the most predictable content — start there.
ICE: Infection Control
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: exposure control plan, PPE, sharps disposal. Spaulding classification: critical instruments (penetrate tissue — must be sterilised), semi-critical (contact mucous membranes — high-level disinfection minimum), non-critical (contact intact skin — low-level disinfection). Autoclave cycle: steam under pressure, must run biological indicator weekly. Surface disinfection: spray-wipe-spray protocol with EPA-registered disinfectant.
RHS: Radiation Health and Safety
ALARA principle: minimise radiation exposure through time (exposure duration), distance (inverse square law — double distance = quarter dose), and shielding (lead apron + thyroid collar for all patients). Paralleling technique = preferred (less distortion). Bisecting angle technique = used when paralleling is impossible. Common errors: elongation (angle too steep), foreshortening (angle too shallow), cone cut (beam misalignment), overlap (incorrect horizontal angulation).
GC: General Chairside
Instrument identification: explorers detect decay/calculus; mirrors provide indirect vision; scalers remove supragingival calculus; curettes = subgingival. Four-handed dentistry zones: operator zone, assistant zone, transfer zone, static zone. Dental materials: alginate impression = irreversible hydrocolloid; PVS/polyether = used for crown impressions; ZOE = sedative properties; GI cement = fluoride-releasing. Know each material's mixing time, setting time, and indication.
Medical Emergencies
The GC exam includes emergency protocols. Know: syncope (fainting) = most common dental emergency — lay patient back, elevate legs, monitor vitals; hypoglycaemia = give sugar immediately; anaphylaxis = epinephrine (EpiPen), call 911; angina = nitroglycerin sublingual, call 911 if no relief in 5 minutes; seizure = protect airway, do not restrain, call 911 if >5 minutes.