Everything You Need To Know About National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)

Everything You Need To Know About National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)

If you are aspiring to become a dental assistant, you are likely researching the process of starting your career. Becoming a clinical dental assistant requires rigorous training and in-depth knowledge of dental anatomy and procedures. This is why you will need to undergo dedicated training and acquire a certification such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA). 

In this post, we take a closer look at what NELDA certification is and why it is important. We also guide you through the process of earning NELDA certification. 

What is NELDA? 

NELDA, or National Entry Level Dental Assistant, is an entry-level certification under the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). As the name suggests, NELDA certification will qualify you for entry-level jobs as a dental assistant. 

This certification aims to provide aspiring dental assistants with another option to enter their chosen profession even if they are not yet eligible for the more popular and demanding Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. Since NELDA certification is for entry-level dental assistants, you can only renew it for up to four years after originally earning certification. 

The Importance of Dental Assistant Certification 

A dental assistant certification from the DANB is essential to your career as a dental assistant. Certification proves you have the knowledge and expertise to fulfill your job responsibilities, making you an attractive candidate in the eyes of prospective employers. 

Employment in the dental assistant profession is projected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average compared to other occupations. This translates to about 44,000 new job openings per year on average over the decade. 

This strong predicted job growth suggests future employment opportunities once aspiring dental assistants complete the necessary training and attain the relevant certification. Having a relevant dental assistant certification allows job seekers to take advantage of these projected career openings. 

Dental assistants have the potential to earn an average income of about $38,660 per year or $18.59 per hour. However, the DANB reports that a certification such as a CDA helped dental assistants to earn slightly more than the national median. 

So, for those who want better employment prospects and a higher salary, earning a NELDA is essential to help you get started in the field. You can then acquire more advanced certifications once you gain more knowledge and experience. 

How to Earn NELDA Certification 

To earn NELDA certification, there are three component exams to complete within three years: 1. Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP); 2. Infection Control (ICE); and 3. Radiation Health and Safety (RHS). After passing the three NELDA component exams, you can earn the certification by meeting all the eligibility criteria. 

You can choose from one of four different pathways to be eligible for NELDA certification. 

Pathway I 

• High school graduate or equivalent education 
• Successful completion of a dental assisting program from an accredited post-secondary institution 
• Have current Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from a DANB-accepted provider 

Pathway II 

• Successful completion of a dental assisting program within the U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps 
• Have current ACLS, BLS, or CPR certification from a DANB-accepted provider 

Pathway III 

• Successful completion of a dental assisting program accepted by the DANB and located within a state or federally recognized high school in the U.S. education system 
• Have current ACLS, BLS, or CPR certification from a DANB-accepted provider 

Pathway IV 

• High school graduate or equivalent education 
• Have at least 300 hours of experience working as a dental assistant. These experience hours must be accrued over a period of 2 months up to 3 years and require verification by a licensed dentist. 
• Have current ACLS, BLS, or CPR certification from a DANB-accepted provider 

Preparing for a NELDA Exam 

Regardless of the pathway you choose, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the certification exam. As such, enrolling in a Clinical Dental Assistant course is highly recommended to prepare for the exam. 

This course covers all the essential topics to prepare you for an entry-level dental assistant job, including patient care, preventative dentistry, anesthesia, pharmacology, and assisting in specialty practices. Additionally, the course covers all three of the components needed for a NELDA certification: anatomy and physiology, infection control, and radiation health safety. 

Students will receive comprehensive instruction on deciduous and permanent dentition in addition to the functions they have in dental anatomy and pathology. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of the chain of infection and transmission routes along with infection control. In addition, students will learn the process of exposing radiographs in traditional and digital formats. 

The topics this course covers will aid students in the dental assisting profession further down the line, even as they prepare for more advanced certifications. This includes the legal and ethical implications of dental assisting, including HIPAA, and the communication and business needs for maintaining a dental office. 

Additionally, real-world perspectives from seasoned dental assistants provide students with invaluable insights into pursuing a dental assisting career. In short, the course will prepare students for success in the NELDA exam and equip them with the knowledge and skills required to start their careers as dental assistants. 

Start Your Journey as a Dental Assistant 

There are many ways for aspiring dental assistants to begin their careers, and a NELDA certification is one of the best entry-level options. Having the necessary preparation and learning is essential to make sure that you succeed with your NELDA exam. 

Preparing for a NELDA exam? Explore our 100% online Clinical Dental Assistant course.