LibGuides: Dental Assisting: Websites

Professional and Research Organizations

American Dental Assistants Association

The American Dental Assistants Association is the oldest, largest group representing professional dental assistants. Its members include clinical personnel, those working chair-side with the dentist, as well as those on the administrative side: the receptionist, office manager, practice manager and those working behind the scenes in dental product sales, insurance and, of course, educators.

American Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) exists to power the profession of dentistry and to assist our members in advancing the overall oral health of their patients. Together with our 163,000+ members, we’ve been driving dentistry forward for 160 years.

DANB

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) was founded in 1980 and is the national certification board for dental assistants. More than 37,000 dental assistants are currently DANB certified nationwide. DANB, a nonprofit organization, is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. DANB's CDA and COA certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

National Institute of Health- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Fact sheets and other consumer health resources on oral health topics from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Government Resources

General Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that protects the health and safety of Americans. The infection control procedures for dentistry are based on the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings issued by the CDC in 2003.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a regulatory agency that ensures the safety and effectiveness of disinfectants. The EPA is also involved in regulating waste materials and chemicals that are disposed of by the dental office.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) a regulatory agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA regulates the manufacturing and labeling of medical devices used in dentistry. The FDA must approve sterilizers, biologic and chemical indicators, ultrasonic cleaners and cleaning solutions, liquid sterilant, gloves, masks, protective eyewear, dental handpieces and instruments, dental chairs, dental unit lights, antimicrobial handwashing products and mouth rinses.
Health & Human Services Resources and information regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for individuals and professionals.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) part of the CDC that does not have regulatory authority and is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.
National Institute of Health (NIH) a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that conducts and supports medical research. NIH scientists conduct research to identify the causes, treatments, and cures for common and rate diseases. The NIH also supports researchers with leadership and financial support throughout the world.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) a deferral regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety and health of dental professionals. OSHA sets and enforces protective standards that dental employers must follow to provide a safe workplace for employees. OSHA set the Blood-Borne Pathogens Standards and the Hazard Communication Standard.

Dental Health

Oral Health in America this report explores the nation's oral health over the last 20 years
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) the dental research institute of the NIH that promotes the general health of Americans by improving their oral, dental and craniofacial health. Through research, the NIDCR promotes health, prevents disease and develops new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Dental Health Topics Information on dental health topics from the NIDCR
The Story of Fluoridation a brief history of the benefits of fluoride.

Video

ECPI's Dental Assisting Program information.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the oral cavity.