What’s an RDA Dental?

An RDA in dental stands for Registered Dental Assistant. RDA is a dental professional who has completed the required education and training, passed a state licensing exam, and is certified to perform various tasks to assist dentists. 

These tasks include taking X-rays, preparing and sterilizing instruments, and providing patient care during dental procedures. RDAs play a very important role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of dental practices.        

Is RDA the Same as a Dental Assistant?   

An RDA  is similar to a dental assistant but with additional qualifications. While both perform many of the same tasks, an RDA has completed extra education, and training, and passed a state licensing exam which grants them a certification. 

Also, coronal polishing can be performed by RDAs, but not unregistered Dental Assistants. This allows RDAs to take on more responsibilities and perform more advanced duties than a general dental assistant.

What are the Types of Dental Assistants?  

Here are the main types of dental assistants, each with different levels of training and certifications:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) 
• Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)

What are RDA Duties?

The following are RDA Duties:

• Perform clinic infection control procedures.
• Taking impressions of patients’ teeth.
• Providing post-operative instructions.
• Cleaning of instruments.
• Tray setup and materials.

How Long Does it Take For RDA Certification?  

RDA certification takes about 9 to 12 months. After completing the program, individuals must pass a state-specific licensing exam to become certified as RDAs.    

What Are RDA Requirements?

To become a Registered Dental Assistant in the United States, you must complete a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 

After completing the educational program, candidates must pass a state-specific licensing exam administered by the state dental board to obtain RDA certification. Also, completion of on-the-job dental assistant training, which includes having a dentist supervise your work is important. 

 

 

How to Get an RDA License?  

To obtain an RDA license in the United States, you should follow these steps:

• Complete a dental assisting program.
• Gain hands-on experience.
• Pass the state licensing exam.
• Apply for licensure.
• Maintain licensure.

What is the Difference Between CDA vs RDA  

CDA	RDA
Certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)	Licensed by individual state dental boards.
Requires completion of a dental assisting program or equivalent.	Requires completion of a state-approved dental assisting program.
The scope of practice is generally standardized nationwide through DANB certification.	The scope of practice can vary by state, with specific regulations and permitted duties.
Use of the CDA title is based on national certification standards.	The use of the RDA title is based on meeting state-specific licensure requirements.

What State Pays RDA the Most? 

The District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Delaware,  Minnesota, and Alaska are known for paying RDAs the highest salaries in the United States.