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Industry standard
10 weeks
Difficult to visualize steps without equipment, slowing skill development.
- Flashcards
- Course packets
- Practice exams only
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Drill infection control, chairside skills, and radiography with confidence.
Marcus AI simulates chairside procedures, sterilization checklists, and DANB-style cases so you clear the CDA exam quickly.
What it is
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant credential measures readiness across Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and General Chairside (GC) duties. Learn more at the official DANB site.
Marcus AI blends visual walkthroughs of instruments with adaptive quizzes and charting drills, helping you internalize protocols before you ever set foot in a practice.
Why it matters
Certified assistants are permitted to perform expanded functions in many states and command higher wages.
Dental practices expect airtight infection control. Marcus AI keeps these procedures fresh through spaced retrieval.
The CDA exam combines three subtests; AI-driven readiness tracking keeps you on schedule for each section.
Salary & job outlook
BLS reports median pay of $44k with strong demand as dental practices expand hygiene and specialty services.
Eligibility
- Graduate of CODA-accredited dental assisting program or equivalent work experience
- CPR certification
- State-specific background requirements
Exam price
$450 (full DANB CDA exam)
Visit Dental Assisting National BoardHow long it takes
The fastest way to pass your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam is with Marcus AI's tailored tutor.
Most learners reach readiness in about 5 weeks.
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60–90% faster with Marcus
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With Marcus AI
5 weeks
Learners memorize protocols in context, so the exam feels like responding to real patients.
- Instrument and tray setup simulations with error checking
- Infection-control SLUs tied to OSHA and CDC guidelines
- Chairside case studies that drill communication and sequencing
The Marcus AI approach
With Marcus AI you enter an adaptive preparation pathway grounded in learning science. We combine Single Learning Units (SLUs), adaptive sequencing, and evidence-based techniques so you master every exam domain without slogging through outdated textbooks.
- SLUs: Master one concept at a time—whether it’s airway management, leadership frameworks, or networking fundamentals.
- Adaptive sequencing: Embedded diagnostics skip what you already know and drill the exact gaps holding you back.
- Evidence-based methods: Retrieval practice, spaced repetition, interleaving, and adaptive testing make every study block count.
- Record-time results: Learners routinely finish 60–90% faster than with traditional courses.
- Exam-ready drills: Full-length mocks, scenario simulations, and readiness scoring ensure you walk into test day confident.
Choose Marcus AI and prepare smarter, not longer—so you arrive at the exam confident, competent, and ahead of the pack.
Career outcomes
- Certified dental assistant
- Orthodontic assistant
- Treatment coordinator
Related EMT resources
Exam details & structure
- Three exams: RHS (100 questions), ICE (100), and GC (120)
- Four-hour combined testing window at Pearson VUE centers
Ready?
Let Marcus coach you to Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
AI tutoring pairs structured curriculum with adaptive drills so you test sooner and with more confidence.