Basic Skills, CDA, COA Exams
MDAS (Basic Skills), CDA, COA
Before registering for an EFDA course, dental auxiliaries MUST provide proof of a prerequisite certification or examination, no exception. An RDH may apply with proof of their Missouri RDH license.
Missouri Rule states that to be eligible to take Expanded Function courses, assistants must have proof of certification as a Certified Dental Assistant or a Certified Orthodontics Assistant (for Orthodontic EFDA only), or proof of passing the Missouri Dental Assisting Skills Exam (commonly called the Basic Skills Exam). All three of these pathways are available through the Dental Assisting National Board.
Take the Missouri Dental Assisting Skills Exam
The Missouri Dental Assisting Skills (MDAS) Exam—commonly called the Basic Skills Exam—is an additional pathway for EFDA courses and also must be completed through DANB and its website includes complete exam details.
The MDA offers an in-person Basic Skills Review to help students successfully pass the MDAS. Click below for details.
Steps to Taking the MDAS Exam
- Candidates may either create an account and register online or mail/fax the exam application for the Missouri Dental Assisting Skills Exam, along with the $240 fee to DANB. Download your application packet.
- Allow up to 2 weeks for DANB to process the exam application. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification from DANB by email that provides a link to schedule your exam at a test center or through online remote proctoring.
- The candidate has a 60-day window to schedule and take the exam at a Pearson Vue testing center. In some cases, you may be able to take the exam online in your home.
- Find the test center location nearest you here.
- Currently test centers are in Columbia, Springfield, St. Louis/Illinois areas and Kansas City/Overland Park areas.
- After the exam appointment is scheduled the candidate will receive a confirmation via email (if the email address was provided) or regular mail from Pearson VUE.
- Candidates should open and read all email and/or mail from Pearson VUE.
- There will be important information regarding the appointment.
- The candidate will receive preliminary results at the test center upon completing the exam. Official exam results will come approximately two to four weeks after the exam was administered. YOU MUST HAVE OFFICIAL RESULTS TO APPLY FOR YOUR EFDA PERMIT.
- If you have not received your official exam results by mail within 4 weeks, contact DANB (within 90 days of your exam date) for results to be resent at no charge.
Retaking a Failed Exam
- If the candidate takes an exam and does not pass, the candidate must reapply for the exam with a new application with any required documentation and fee to take the exam again. Fees are not waived in the case of a failed exam, and payment will be required for any retakes.
Duplicate Certificate or Verification of Credentials
- Duplicate exam results are available by submitting a DANB Duplicate Exam Result Request, along with a $50 fee. You also may be able to verify and print your DANB issued credentials for free at this link.
Become a Certified Dental Assistant
Successful completion of the CDA exam will lead to a national certification that is highly valued by both employers and patients. The DANB website includes everything you need to know about this certification. Click to learn more.
Become a Certified Orthodontic Assistant
Earning COA Certification helps orthodontic assistants stand out in the dental assisting profession. The DANB website includes everything you need to know about this certification. The COA Certification satisfies the prerequisite for the Orthodontic EFDA only. Click to learn more.
Click the image below or here to download a PDF of the Pathway to Becoming a Missouri EFDA.
