Why I Decided to Take the DANB RHS Exam—And Why You Should, Too
- Jul 2, 2025
- 5 min read
Why I Decided to Take the DANB RHS Exam
Wondering why you should take the DANB RHS exam? Here’s my personal journey from sterilization tech to certified dental educator—and how this exam gave me confidence, job security, and a path to professional growth. Discover how dental assistant certification and an x-ray license can transform your career.
Thinking about taking the DANB RHS exam but not sure if it’s worth it? You’re not alone—I was in the same boat. In this blog, I’m sharing my real experience deciding to take the RHS exam, what happened after I passed, and why I think it’s one of the best moves you can make if you’re working (or want to work) in dental.
We’ll talk about what the exam covers, why it matters, and how it can seriously boost your confidence, pay, and job options. Whether you’re just starting out or already in a dental office looking to level up, this post will help you understand the value of getting certified—and how to get there without feeling overwhelmed.
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My Journey: From Uncertainty to Certification
Ever catch yourself wondering, “Should I take the RHS exam?” or thinking, “Is dental assistant certification even worth it?” Trust me—you’re not the only one. I’ve been there.
Truth is, I didn’t grow up dreaming about taking x-rays. I actually wanted to be a dentist (there’s a little dentist in every dental assistant, right?). But as life would have it, the universe had different plans—and I’m so glad it did.
When I started clinical training as a dental assistant, I kept getting asked, “Why are you fooling with taking the DANB exams?” or “Why pay all that money for school when you can just learn on the job?”
Valid questions. But here’s what I realized: I wanted a career, not just a job. I wanted stability, growth, and options. I didn’t want to feel stuck at one office just because they trained me on the job. Nothing against on-the-job training (OJT), but I wanted leverage—the kind that helps you negotiate better pay or relocate without stress. The first step to all of that? Passing the DANB RHS exam.
My Road to the RHS Exam
Before I had my dental x-ray license, I was working as a sterilization tech. It was decent, but there wasn’t much room to grow. I knew I wanted more responsibility and the chance to actually work with patients.
So I started digging into how to become a dental assistant. And one acronym kept showing up everywhere: DANB RHS(Radiation Health and Safety). At first, I was honestly overwhelmed. I thought I’d have to enroll in a big university program and drop thousands of dollars just to qualify.
But nope.
Once I started doing real research, it all started to click—this exam could open major doors. It would make me eligible to take dental x-rays, increase my earning potential, and qualify me for jobs that actually required licensure. Without it, I’d be stuck in one role, limited in what I could legally do.
So… Why Take the RHS Exam?
If you're thinking about becoming a dental assistant—or already working in the field and want to level up—you should seriously consider taking the DANB RHS exam. Here’s why:
It makes you way more hireable. A lot of dental offices won’t even look at your resume unless you’re certified. Having your x-ray license shows you’re trained in radiation safety, infection control, and patient care.
It gives you job security. Offices love team members who can jump in where needed. Being certified lets you wear more hats—which makes you way more valuable.
It boosts your confidence. I felt so proud walking into work after passing. I wasn’t just “helping out”—I knew what I was doing and had the certificate to prove it.
It’s a stepping stone. Whether you dream of becoming an EFDA, a dental hygienist, or even teaching someday, this is your foundation. Plus, the RHS is one of the three tests needed for the full CDA (Certified Dental Assistant)credential!The educational path may differ depending on your state. However, here is a general overview of the requirements:
The DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam covers topics like:
Radiation biology
Image quality and positioning
Infection control
X-ray safety protocols
This isn’t just a box to check—it’s about protecting your patients, your team, and yourself. You don’t want to wing this.
What Happened After I Passed
Once I passed the RHS exam, everything changed. I started getting more callbacks from offices, and I finally had the confidence to ask for more—more pay, more responsibility, and more say in where I worked. That little piece of paper gave me a whole lot of power.
But it didn’t stop there.
Passing the RHS gave me the confidence to go for more—including enrolling in university to earn my degree. And while I didn’t go on to become a dentist like I originally planned, that exam absolutely opened the door for something even more meaningful.
Today, I’m proud to be a dental educator, helping others walk their own path toward a better future. I get to teach, inspire, and train the next generation of dental professionals—and it all started with that one decision to say yes to the RHS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DANB RHS Exam
Q1: What is the DANB RHS exam?
The RHS (Radiation Health and Safety) exam is a national certification that tests your knowledge of dental radiology topics like infection control, image quality, and radiation safety.
Q2: Do I need to go to school to take the RHS exam?
A: Not necessarily! While some states require formal education, many allow on-the-job trained dental assistants to qualify. Check with your state’s dental board for specific requirements.
Q3: Is the RHS exam hard?
A: It’s not impossible—but it does require studying. Most people pass with the help of practice tests, review courses, and study guides.
Q4: Where can I get study help?
You can download a free study guide, take a practice test, or enroll in a review course (like the one mentioned in this blog!).
Q5. How long does it take to prepare?
Most students spend 4–8 weeks preparing, depending on their schedule and background. Study plans and review tools can help you stay on track.
Q6: What happens after I pass?
You’ll become certified to legally take dental x-rays in your state (where applicable), making you more hireable and opening up higher-paying roles.
Should You Take the RHS Exam?
If you’re on the fence, let me say this: you don’t need a 4-year degree to build a solid healthcare career. Sometimes, all it takes is one exam to set things in motion. The RHS is a smart investment in your future.
And don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are tons of study guides, practice tests, and review courses that can walk you through the process. (I used them, and I highly recommend it!)
Investing in Your Future
Choosing to take the DANB RHS exam was hands down one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. The investment? So worth it.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it. Your future self will thank you for taking the leap. Who knows? This might be the start of something amazing.
Need help getting started? Download our free study guide or check out the practice test to kickstart your prep. You've waited long enough—let’s get it!
Want to learn more? Feel free to drop your questions in the comments, or check out our course options today!
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