Two dental assistant training programs earn ABC quality certification
Two major dental assistant training programs now certified; employers can verify staff qualifications against industry standards.
Two private training institutions in the Netherlands have been certified to award the ABC Mondzorgassistenten quality mark, a credential that ensures dental assistant programs meet industry standards. Edin and Dental Best Practice have both received certification for three qualification levels: Tandartsassistent (A), Preventieassistent (B), and Paro-preventieassistent (C). Academie Tandartsenpraktijk merged into Dental Best Practice on 1 January 2026 and is now part of the certified provider.
What the ABC certification means for students and employers
The ABC keurmerk provides students with assurance that their program is recognized and valued across the dental sector. Graduates who complete training at a certified institution can register in the Register Mondzorgassistenten, a professional registry that documents their qualifications. For employers, the certification offers confidence that newly hired assistants have undergone consistent, branch-endorsed training and can demonstrate competency in their role.
How certification affects the training landscape
The certification of these two institutions establishes a quality benchmark for dental assistant education in the Netherlands. Programs that earn the ABC mark must meet defined standards for curriculum content, instruction quality, and learning outcomes. As more institutions pursue certification, students will have clearer pathways to recognized qualifications, and practices can more easily identify graduates with validated skills across preventive dentistry, periodontal assistance, and general dental support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ABC Mondzorgassistenten quality mark?
The ABC keurmerk is a branch-recognized certification that signals dental assistant programs meet agreed industry standards. It covers three levels: Tandartsassistent (A), Preventieassistent (B), and Paro-preventieassistent (C). Employers use it to verify that job candidates have completed accredited training.
Which training institutions hold ABC certification?
Edin and Dental Best Practice are currently certified for the ABC mark. Dental Best Practice now includes Academie Tandartsenpraktijk following their merger on 1 January 2026.
Can graduates register after completing an ABC-certified program?
Yes. Students who successfully complete training at an ABC-certified institution can register in the Register Mondzorgassistenten, the professional registry for dental assistants in the Netherlands.
Why is ABC certification important for dental practices?
The certification guarantees that new hires have completed consistent, quality training and possess documented competency. This reduces hiring uncertainty and ensures staff meet recognized professional standards.
