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Continuing Education>Certification Program: DAANCE

Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE)

The Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) is a two-part continuing education program comprised of approximately 36 hours of self-study material and quizzes and a standardized, computer-based exam. This exam is designed for oral and maxillofacial surgery assistants or assistants employed by other dental professionals with valid anesthesia permits. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons designates this activity for 36 continuing education credits. Upon successful completion of the final examination, the assistant will receive proof of certification and a program completion lapel pin.

All course registrants receive a syllabus, study guide, suggested reading list and practice quizzes. Registrants work through the material at their own pace over a six-month time period, reviewing materials and quizzes with their sponsoring surgeons. After completing the self-study materials, participants take a two-hour, computerized exam at designated testing centers. There are more than 100 testing sites located throughout the country. This self-study course is available year round.

The self-study materials and the final exam cover five major areas:

  1. Basic sciences
  2. Evaluation and preparation of patients with systemic diseases
  3. Anesthetic drugs and techniques
  4. Anesthesia equipment and monitoring
  5. Office anesthesia emergencies

To be eligible to participate in the DAANCE, an assistant must be:

  1. Employed for at least six months by either an AAOMS fellow/member, or by a dental professional who holds a valid anesthesia permit.
  2. CPR, BLS or ACLS certified.*

* applicants must provide a copy of a current CPR, BLS or ACLS certification with their registration form in order to receive the study materials and to schedule an examination. The CPR, BLS or ACLS certification must be current through your examination date (a minimum of six months) or your registration will not be processed and you will not receive your registration materials.

NOTE: As of Jan. 1, 2023, the fees for DAANCE registration and rescheduling/reapplying have increased. The forms below reflect the increased fees.

To participate, submit the following document(s):