One exam. Two parts. Same day.
The Certified Ohio Dental Assistant Exam runs on a single day at Fort Hayes Career Center in Columbus. You must pass both the written paper and the clinical bench test to be certified.
The written paper
Approximately 250 multiple choice questions covering the knowledge a working assistant needs day to day. It runs on paper, in the morning.
- Chairside skills
- Office procedures
- Dental anatomy
- Dental specialties
- Dental materials
- Dental insurance
- Sterilisation and OSHA
- Preventive procedures
- Dental and medical emergencies
The clinical test
A bench test of routine chairside tasks, assessed against a standardised score sheet. Holding a current radiology certificate does not exempt you from the radiography portion.
- Dental materials
- Patient education
- Matrix retainers
- Chairside procedure
- Instrument identification
- Bur identification
- Radiographs, including mounting and image identification
Who is eligible
Ohio certification is open to anyone who meets either of the following:
- At least 12 months of continuous full-time work experience in the dental profession by the exam date, or
- Enrolment in, or graduation from, an accredited dental assisting programme. Current students must have completed at least 50 percent of the programme when they sit the exam.
The Commission does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, sexual preference or marital status. Birth year is collected as part of identification.
On the day
Registration opens at 8:00 and closes at 8:30. Bring everything on this list. There is a midday break, so bring lunch.
- Photo identification, either a student ID or a driver licence
- A number 2 pencil
- PPE for the clinical portion
- A current CPR card
- A notarised letter of recommendation
- Lunch in a clear plastic container or bag
There is no mobile phone or smart device permitted in the building. Bringing one means you will not be allowed to sit the exam.
Exam regulations
- No questions about the written content may be asked during the session.
- No reference materials or notes may be brought into the exam room.
- No visitors or unauthorised people are permitted in the testing session.
- Candidates arriving late are admitted but receive no extra time.
- Everyone taking any part of the exam must be in uniform: scrubs, lab jacket and proper footwear, along with PPE. Failing the uniform requirement reduces the clinical score.
Applying
Complete your profile in the portal and upload a notarised letter of recommendation plus a current copy of your CPR certification. Applications are accepted on a first come basis, and late applications are not accepted. If the exam is full you can reapply for the next date as soon as that window opens.
Candidates who need assistance for a disability should email the Commission at the time of application.