Duties and responsibilities: The Registered Dental Assistant
performs duties such as: prepare the patient for the treatment, assist the dentist
in performing their treatment to the patient in restorative dentistry or oral
surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the
dentist’s use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May
perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments,
answer the phone, ordering supplies and doing the dental billing.
Salary: $37,772 annually
Education: Some states require no formal education
requirements for dental assistants. Many dental assistants are trained on the
job, though others choose to enroll in dental assisting programs at a community
college or trade school. However, to become registered and use the RDA
credential, most states require that a prospective registered dental assistant
graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
(CODA). These programs generally take one year or less to complete and cumulate
in a diploma or certificate. Associate's degree programs are also available and
typically take two years to complete.
