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Exams/Assisting/DANB-NELDA

DANB-NELDA · DANB (United States)

DANB-NELDA
Assistant.

Free 20-question DANB-NELDA diagnostic, built from real exam-style items. See exactly where you stand across all 3 domains in about 30 minutes — no signup to start, instant topic-gap report.

20 questions · ~30 min · no signup to start · instant topic-gap report

Mock variants

4 ways to sit DANB-NELDA.

Diagnostic

Free

20 items · 30 min

Free taster · topic gap analysis.

Topic Practice

Member

25 items · 35 min

25 items in a single component domain.

Half Mock

Member

115 items · 90 min

Half of a real NELDA cumulative sitting (AMP 40 + RHS 38 + ICE 37).

Full Mock

Member

230 items · 180 min

Full NELDA across all three components: AMP 80 + RHS 75 + ICE 75 = 230 items in 180 minutes (matching the official per-component duration; real candidates schedule each component separately within a 60-day window).

Blueprint · topic weights

3 domains, honestly weighted.

Diagnostic and mock items are sampled in proportion to the published DANB (United States) competency document — never random.

01Anatomy, Morphology and PhysiologyAMP component (80 items, 60 minutes). Two sub-domains: Head, Neck and Oral Cavity (40%); Tooth Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (60%). Head and neck anatomy, oral landmarks, tooth identification using Universal/FDI/Palmer numbering, eruption sequence, calcification, occlusion, oral physiology.
35%
02Radiation Health and SafetyRHS component (75 items, 60 minutes). Three sub-domains: Purpose and Technique (50%); Radiation Characteristics and Protection (25%); Infection Prevention and Control (25%). Digital-only scope per DANB since 2022-07-07.
33%
03Infection ControlICE component (75 items, 60 minutes). Four sub-domains: Prevention of Disease Transmission (20%); Prevention of Cross-contamination (34%); Process Instruments and Devices (26%); Occupational Safety and Administration Protocols (20%). CDC + OSHA + OSAP aligned.
33%

FAQ

Everything candidates ask about DANB-NELDA.

Who needs the DANB NELDA?
The National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification is DANB's entry-level credential combining three component exams — Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP), and portions of RHS and ICE — into a single pathway for new dental assistants.
What is the DANB NELDA format?
NELDA bundles three computer-based component exams: AMP (Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology — 80 items, 60 minutes), RHS (Radiation Health and Safety — 75 items, 60 minutes), and ICE (Infection Control Exam — 75 items, 60 minutes). Total 230 items / 180 minutes. Candidates can sit them in any order across a 60-day Pearson VUE testing window; passing all three within a 3-year completion window earns the NELDA credential, which is then held up to 4 years (3 renewals).
What is the DANB NELDA pass mark?
Each NELDA component is scored independently with 400 as the minimum passing scaled score. Candidates must pass all three components to earn NELDA; failing one component only requires retaking that single exam.
How long should I study for DANB NELDA?
Most candidates allocate four to six weeks per component (twelve to eighteen weeks total) and sit one component every four to six weeks. Sequencing AMP first, then ICE, then RHS works well — AMP grounds the anatomy foundation the other two reference.
How often can I retake NELDA components?
Per the 2026 DANB Candidate Handbook, there is no DANB-imposed limit on how many times a candidate may retake any NELDA component. Each attempt requires a new application + full fee. The NELDA credential requires passing all three components within a 3-year completion window.
What does Lumen's NELDA module cover?
Lumen's NELDA module covers all three component domains — AMP, RHS portion, and ICE portion — mapped to the official DANB content outlines with topic-level gap analysis so you focus first on the weakest of the three.
How do I sign up for Lumen?
You can take the free diagnostic without an account. To save attempts, see rationales, and unlock full mocks, sign in with email — we send a magic link, no password to forget.
Are rationales reviewed by clinicians?
Yes. Every item ships with a clinician-written rationale that cites the published competency guideline it maps to. Items flagged by users get re-reviewed within a business day.

Why Lumen for DANB-NELDA

Built by clinicians, priced for students.

01

Blueprint-aligned items.

Topic weights match the published competency document. No guessing what the test cares about.

02

Every rationale signed.

A licensed clinician wrote, reviewed, and cited every explanation. Flag one and we re-review within a day.

03

Diagnostic before you pay.

Free 20-item diagnostic with full topic gap analysis. No credit card. Decide if we’re right for you, then upgrade.

Independent study tool. Not endorsed by NDEB, ADA, or JCNDE. We do not promise passing scores. All items are exam-style and based on publicly available competency guidelines.