The Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) is a prestigious continuing education and certification program designed specifically for oral and maxillofacial surgery assistants. It is also an excellent credential for assistants employed by other dental professionals who hold valid anesthesia permits. This course and examination provide a national standard of knowledge and skill for dental assistants who provide care to patients receiving sedatives and anesthetic agents. By earning the DAANCE certification, you demonstrate to your colleagues, employers, and patients your commitment to specialized education and public safety.
The DAANCE is a two-part continuing education program that combines extensive self-study with a standardized, computer-based final examination. Upon registration, you will receive dynamic study materials, including a comprehensive syllabus, study guide, suggested reading list, and practice quizzes. This material is designed to provide you with approximately 36 hours of intensive self-paced learning.
The course and examination cover five core domain areas that are essential for any dedicated anesthesia assistant:
Basic sciences, including anatomy and physiology of the human body.
Evaluation and preparation of patients with systemic diseases.
Anesthetic drugs and delivery techniques.
Anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring.
Office anesthesia emergencies, including recognition and protocol.
This self-study approach allows you to work through the materials at your own pace over a six-month eligibility period. It is designed to be a collaborative process, encouraging you to review the materials and quizzes with your sponsoring oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
The final DAANCE exam is a standardized, computer-based test designed to measure your mastery of the self-study material. It consists of 115 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 100 items are scored, while the remaining 15 are non-scored pre-test items that will not affect your final score.
You will have a total of two hours to complete the examination. The minimum passing scaled score is 70. The computer-based format is intuitive and user-friendly, designed to be accessible to individuals at all levels of computer literacy. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded proof of certification and a program completion lapel pin, identifying you as a DAANCE certified professional.
The most effective study strategy for the DAANCE is to fully utilize the provided program materials. Dedicate consistent time to go through each module in the study guide and complete all practice quizzes. We recommend a proactive approach: bring any questions to your sponsoring surgeon for professional guidance and real-world context. For additional practice, consider using DAANCE-specific practice test apps or online platforms that offer realistic, timed exam simulations to build your confidence and refine your knowledge.
The final examination is administered by PSI/AMP assessment centers, which have more than 100 convenient locations throughout the United States. To take the exam, you must first complete your application online, ensuring all required documents, including your current CPR, BLS, or ACLS certification, are uploaded. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can schedule your appointment. Examinations are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday, and must be scheduled at least four business days in advance.
Earning your DAANCE certification unlocks specialized and highly valued career paths within the dental field, particularly in the niche of oral surgery. It demonstrates a advanced level of competence that is attractive to premier employers.
Dental Anesthesia Assistant
Oral Surgery Assistant
Surgical Assistant
Anesthesia Support Specialist
Lead Oral Surgery Assistant
Surgical Team Coordinator
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