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100+ Free DANB COA Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DANB COA Exam

215

Total Questions

DANB COA page (OA 140 + ICE 75)

165 min

Exam Time

DANB COA page

$450

Exam Fee

2026 COA Application Packet

400

Passing Scaled Score

DANB scoring model (100-900 scale)

381,900

Dental Assistant Jobs (2024)

BLS

8%

Job Growth (2024-2034)

BLS

DANB lists the COA as a combined 215-question exam delivered in 165 minutes for $450. The OA component covers 140 questions in 105 minutes with four domains: Evaluation (21%), Radiation Health and Safety (18%), Orthodontic Procedures (35%), and Patient Education and Office Management (26%). The ICE component covers 75 questions in 60 minutes. DANB uses CAT scoring with a scaled pass score of 400 on a 100-900 scale. The 2026 application packet was updated on 11/12/2025.

About the DANB COA Exam

The DANB Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) credential combines two component exams: Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and Infection Control (ICE). It validates knowledge-based competence in orthodontic procedures, patient evaluation, radiation safety, and infection prevention for dental assistants working in orthodontic practice.

Questions

215 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 45 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score 400 per component

Exam Fee

$450 (DANB / Pearson VUE)

DANB COA Exam Content Outline

140 questions (OA)

Orthodontic Assisting (OA)

Evaluation (21%), radiation health and safety (18%), orthodontic procedures (35%), patient education and office management (26%)

75 questions (ICE)

Infection Control (ICE)

Disease transmission prevention (20%), cross-contamination prevention (34%), instrument processing (26%), occupational safety (20%)

How to Pass the DANB COA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 400 per component
  • Exam length: 215 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Exam fee: $450

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DANB COA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Prioritize orthodontic procedures — the largest OA domain at 35% of that component
2Study ICE domains in parallel with OA radiation safety since both cover infection prevention
3Practice identifying Angle classifications, bracket types, and orthodontic instruments visually
4Review OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and hazard communication requirements for ICE
5Use timed practice sets mixing OA and ICE questions to build stamina for the 165-minute exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the DANB COA exam?

DANB lists the combined COA exam at 215 questions total: 140 Orthodontic Assisting (OA) and 75 Infection Control (ICE).

How long is the DANB COA exam and how much does it cost?

DANB lists the COA exam at 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes) total with a 2026 exam fee of $450 for traditional candidates or $425 for active military.

What score do I need to pass the DANB COA?

DANB uses scaled scoring from 100 to 900. You must achieve a scaled score of at least 400 on each component exam (OA and ICE) to pass.

What are the COA eligibility pathways?

DANB offers four pathways: I) 3,500 hours work experience + CDA, II) high school + 3,500 hours, III) CODA orthodontic program + CDA, IV) former COA or dental degree. All pathways require current CPR/BLS/ACLS.

Can I take the OA and ICE exams separately?

Yes. DANB allows you to take the OA and ICE component exams separately or together. Both must be passed for COA certification.