DAANCE PrepWhat is the DAANCE Exam?
The Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) is the gold standard certification for dental assistants working in offices that administer deep sedation and general anesthesia. Here's everything you need to know.
Editorial Standards & Review
DAANCE Prep Editorial Team · Content aligned with the 2025 AAOMS DAANCE Study Guide. Clinically sensitive items are flagged for review; DAANCE Prep is not medically reviewed by licensed clinicians unless specifically noted.
- •AAOMS DAANCE Study Guide (current edition)
- •AAOMS.org official DAANCE examination information
This content is for educational and exam-preparation purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace clinical training, institutional protocols, or the judgment of licensed healthcare professionals.
Who Administers the DAANCE?
The DAANCE is administered by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). It was created to ensure that dental assistants who work alongside oral and maxillofacial surgeons during deep sedation and general anesthesia procedures meet a national standard of knowledge and competency.
Who Needs the DAANCE Certification?
The DAANCE is required (or strongly recommended) for dental assistants who:
- Work in oral surgery offices where deep sedation or general anesthesia is administered
- Assist in anesthesia monitoring during surgical procedures
- Are seeking to advance their career in oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Work in states or practices that mandate certified anesthesia assistants
Many state dental boards and oral surgery practices now require DAANCE certification as a condition of employment. Without it, assistants may be restricted from participating in anesthesia cases entirely.
What Does the DAANCE Exam Cover?
The exam is divided into 13 content domains, each representing a critical knowledge area for safe anesthesia assistance:
How is the DAANCE Scored?
The DAANCE uses a scaled scoring system. The generally accepted passing threshold is approximately 75%, though AAOMS uses psychometric scaling that may adjust the actual cut score slightly based on question difficulty. You'll receive your score immediately upon completing the exam at a testing center.
Where Can I Take the DAANCE?
The DAANCE is administered at Prometric testing centers nationwide. You schedule your exam through the AAOMS website after registering and paying the exam fee ($405 for assistants sponsored by an AAOMS member, or $605 for those sponsored by other eligible dental professionals, as of 2025). Testing is available year-round at most locations.
How Do I Register for the DAANCE?
- Visit the official AAOMS DAANCE page at aaoms.org
- Create an account and complete the registration form
- Pay the exam fee ($405 for AAOMS-member-sponsored assistants, $605 for other eligible sponsors)
- Schedule your exam at a nearby Prometric center
- Study with DAANCE Prep until your readiness score hits 90%+
How Long is DAANCE Certification Valid?
DAANCE certification is valid for 4 years. To recertify, you must complete continuing education requirements and pass a renewal examination. Staying current with the latest AAOMS guidelines and anesthesia protocols is essential for recertification.
How Hard is the DAANCE Exam?
The DAANCE has a first-attempt pass rate in the range of 60–70% nationally. It's a challenging clinical exam — not just memorization, but applied knowledge under time pressure. The pharmacology, airway management, and emergency sections tend to be where most students struggle.
Students who use structured study tools (like DAANCE Prep) and practice with full-length mock exams consistently outperform those who rely on textbooks alone.
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