What does a Registered Dental Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is a dental professional who works closely with dentists to provide quality oral care to patients. RDAs perform a variety of tasks, including taking X-rays, preparing patients for dental procedures, and providing post-operative care. They also keep the dental office organized and clean, and may assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and billing.
Registered Dental Assistant job duties include:
- Prepare patients for dental treatment and assist dentists during procedures
- Expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Update patient medical histories
- Record treatment information in patient charts
- Schedule and confirm patient appointments
- Sterilize dental instruments and equipment
- Prepare materials for making impressions of teeth
- Take and develop dental impressions
- Make temporary crowns and bridges
- Place sealants on teeth
Registered Dental Assistant Job Requirements
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) must have completed an accredited dental assisting program and passed a written and practical examination. An RDA is also required to take continuing education courses to maintain registration. Some states have additional requirements, such as licensure. RDAs perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, and often work side-by-side with the dentist during procedures. They must be detail-oriented and able to multitask.
Registered Dental Assistant Skills
- Chairside manner
- Infection control
- Sterilization
- Charting
- X-rays
- Taking impressions
- Pouring models
- Fabricating temporary crowns
- Bite wing x-rays
- Applying sealants
- Polishing teeth
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How to become a Registered Dental Assistant
There are a few steps that one must take in order to become a Registered Dental Assistant. The first step is to complete an accredited dental assisting program. Once the program is completed, the student must then pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. After passing the exam, the student will be registered with the DANB and will be able to use the title “Registered Dental Assistant” or “RDA”. Some states also require dental assistants to be licensed.
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