NELDA Certification to Break Into the Dental Field
In just twelve months, you could earn a diploma, find a career you love, and be part of a growing career field where individuals can earn up to $61,780 annually.
With the ever-changing job market, it’s important and desirable to train for a career projected to grow exponentially over the next several years to promote job stability and a profitable return on investment (ROI).
For any position of consideration, the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a useful resource for understanding salary ranges, required education, work environment, and anticipated job outlook.
From 2024-2034, the dental assistant career field is expected to grow by six percent, which is faster than other job fields.
If you are in a place of searching for a new career and want to get started in the dental assistant field, earning the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is a great place to start.
To help you decide on what your next step is for your career goals, here is what you need to know about NELDA.
What is NELDA?
NELDA is the term for National Entry Level Dental Assistant certification, and the certification is available to qualified applicants. NELDA certification could be the next step in your dental career journey and will provide you with added qualifications to pursue the job you love.
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers the NELDA certification exam in three components. The complete guidelines help you walk through each step with ease so you can confidently prepare for and take the exam. This resource has simple directions on how to apply for the exam, schedule a testing appointment, and make sure you have the necessary forms submitted. Documentation of training is not required until after passing the exam to receive certification.
The Benefits of NELDA
Certification provides you with an advantage in the job market and helps you stand out among applicants seeking the same position. It can also open new opportunities to explore, such as receiving a promotion, taking on new responsibilities, or networking with others in the industry.
When you pass the NELDA exam and become a National Entry Level Dental Assistant, you add these skills to your repertoire:
Confidence
A prospective employer can have confidence in your abilities, and you in return have confidence in the skills needed to perform the job. This goes a long way in putting patients and yourself at ease.
Competence
You position yourself as someone who is willing to take the extra step, seek out professional development, and expand your knowledge base. The hard work pays off in the end, and you continue to grow and adapt to changes in the industry.
Credibility
You didn’t just graduate from a diploma program. You proved you could apply the knowledge on a certification exam. Going above and beyond the requirements speaks volumes for your work ethic.
Position Yourself for a Growing Career Field
Blackstone Career Institute’s 720 clock-hour Dental Office Assistant Program will help prepare you for the NELDA exam upon graduation. In addition to the knowledge gained, you will graduate with a Dental Office Assistant career diploma.
With lessons on managing patient records, understanding CDT Dental codes, ordering office supplies, and following HIPAA and OSHA guidelines, you will learn the ins and outs of working in a dental office.
The asynchronous program includes updated eBooks and access to a qualified instructor to answer questions via email, so you receive current, relevant, and pertinent content in the dental field.
The Dental Office Assistant Program Outline and program page give you the information you need to make your decision. You may also schedule a call with an admissions advisor. When you do decide this is the right fit for you, all you need is a completed enrollment agreement and a down payment to get started on your coursework. Proof of your high school diploma or a GED/high school equivalent is required within 60 days of enrollment.
Prepare for NELDA Today
Blackstone wants to walk with you every step of the way to help you achieve your career goals, which includes resources to prepare for certification exams, even after you’ve graduated.
Purchasing the NELDA Certification Bundle will offer you invaluable content review to help you recall necessary details pertinent to the dental profession and give you an opportunity to complete practice tests covering over 600 multiple choice questions. No question in the field of study is off limits, which helps you prepare for the exam.
In addition to NELDA specific preparation, Blackstone has resources to help you create effective exam and study habits for success and learn ways to manage your time so you complete your coursework and earn your career diploma on your time table.
Through affordable and flexible education made just for you, there are no limits on advancing your career and taking the next step toward working in a profession you’re passionate about.
Written by Laura Conaway
