If you’re looking to become a dental assistant, you’re probably aware of the necessary step of passing your national boards, right? If you are unsure of what to expect, you’re in luck because there is a dental assistant course in Lebanon thank can help! Not only will you receive the important information you need to pass the exam, but you’ll be prepared and ready to serve your patients as a trained and highly skilled dental assistant! Find out what to expect on exam day and how you can calm your nerves before the big test.
What’s Included in the Coursework?
As a student in a hands-on dental assisting program, you can expect to learn a wide variety of skills that will prepare you for life as a dental assistant. Some of these include:
- The proper way to pass dental instruments
- How to take diagnostic X-rays
- Creating temporary tooth coverings a patient needs
- How to sterilize dental instruments
- How to disinfect treatment rooms
Everything in the course will prepare you for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exams.
What Can I Expect on Exam Day?
When preparing for the DANB exam, there are few things you should know to prepare for the big day, and we mean, exam day!
- Know Your Route – Before leaving for the test center, map out how you plan to get there. Knowing where you’re supposed to go is the first step to ensuring you have a successful exam day. Make sure to leave with enough time to avoid any major traffic concerns and know where you’re supposed to park.
- Have Check-In Materials – You’ll need your government-issued ID when you check-in, so don’t leave home without it! Some centers require that you take a photo and palm scan to verify your identity, so be prepared to spend a bit more time at check-in. You’ll also want to store any of your valuables in a locker. Your personable items are not allowed in the testing room, so the best option is to leave them at home, if you can, and use the available lockers for those you must bring with you.
- Navigate the Exam – Don’t worry, you won’t do this alone. A proctor will instruct you on the rules before walking you to the designated computer. You’ll receive a note board and marker to take notes and be provided a short tutorial about the exam. Once you complete the tutorial, the exam will begin.
- Taking Breaks – Although no breaks are included, you are provided one trip to the bathroom should you need it. However, you may not leave the building at any point during the exam. Raise your hand, and the proctor will escort you out of the room. It’s important to note that the clock will not stop during a bathroom break, so make it quick! When you return, you’ll need to verify your identity before you can resume taking the test.
- Finishing the Exam – Once you’re done, you’ll need to raise your hand to let the proctor know you’ve finished. When leaving, you’ll receive confirmation paperwork and any preliminary results. Your official scores will be mailed to you along with any certifications within 2 or 3 weeks.
What Are Some Tips to Staying Calm?
Depending on the individual, test-taking can be nerve-wracking. If you’re worried about the test, here are a few tips to follow to help you stay calm:
- Make time – When preparing for the exam, make time to study. Cancel or say “no” to the dinner invites or upcoming concert. This is your future, so make sure you devote ample studying time, so you will feel prepared for the big day.
- Don’t rush – Rushing through the questions can be detrimental to your overall score. Slow down and read each question carefully before choosing an answer.
- Move along – If there is a question you do not know the answer to, move along and return to it later. Don’t spend too much time on one question or you’ll run out of time.
- Stay positive – Leading up to the day of the test, and even during the exam, keep a positive attitude. If you start to doubt yourself or your knowledge, the greater the risk of doing poorly. Remind yourself that you know the information and will pass the exam.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful exam day. Don’t let hints of doubt linger in your mind. Maintain positivity and before you know it, you’ll be a tried and true dental assistant!
About Dental Assistant Pro
This 10-week course schedule is a class-based instructional program that uses real-life scenarios and hands-on experience to train the best dental assistants. Dental Assistant Pro is designed to allow students the ability to pursue a new career path while continuing to work full-time jobs. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (513) 515-6611.
