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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Registered Dental Assistant

💰 $22 - $35 per hour

HealthcareDentalClinical Support

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to become an integral part of our dynamic dental team. As an RDA, you will be the cornerstone of our clinical operations, working hand-in-hand with our dentists to deliver exceptional patient care and ensure a smooth, efficient workflow. Your role is critical in creating a positive, safe, and comfortable experience for every patient, from the moment they sit in the chair to the completion of their treatment. You are a key clinical partner, a patient advocate, and a vital contributor to the overall success and reputation of our practice.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate of an Accredited Dental Assisting Program
  • Unlicensed Dental Assistant with requisite on-the-job training and experience
  • Healthcare professional (e.g., Medical Assistant) transitioning into the dental field

Advancement To:

  • Lead Registered Dental Assistant or Clinical Team Lead
  • Dental Office Manager or Practice Administrator
  • Dental Hygienist (requires additional formal education and licensure)
  • Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) (with additional certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Dental Treatment Coordinator
  • Dental Insurance and Billing Specialist
  • Dental Laboratory Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare patients for dental procedures by seating them, explaining the treatment process, and ensuring their comfort and readiness.
  • Provide expert four-handed chairside assistance to dentists during a wide variety of restorative, cosmetic, and surgical procedures.
  • Take, develop, and mount high-quality diagnostic dental radiographs (x-rays) in accordance with state regulations and safety protocols.
  • Skillfully obtain preliminary and final impressions, as well as bite registrations, for crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prosthetics.
  • Fabricate, place, and remove high-quality temporary crowns and bridges, ensuring proper fit and occlusion.
  • Perform meticulous sterilization, disinfection, and maintenance of all dental instruments, handpieces, and equipment, adhering to strict CDC and OSHA guidelines.
  • Accurately chart and document all patient information, treatment performed, and clinical notes in the practice management software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft).
  • Clearly and compassionately deliver pre-operative and post-operative instructions to patients, ensuring they understand their care plan and home-care responsibilities.
  • Take and record patient vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, and update their medical history at every appointment.
  • Perform coronal polishing and apply topical fluoride and sealants as directed by the dentist and allowed by state law.
  • Expertly place and remove rubber dams, matrices, and wedges to isolate teeth for restorative procedures.
  • Assist in specialized dental procedures, including endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), periodontics (gum disease), and oral surgery (extractions).
  • Proactively manage and maintain inventory of clinical supplies and materials, anticipating needs and placing orders to prevent shortages.
  • Pour, trim, and polish study casts and diagnostic models with precision for case presentation and lab communication.
  • Remove surgical sutures and provide post-extraction follow-up care as directed by the supervising dentist.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked operatory and sterilization area to ensure optimal workflow and a professional environment.
  • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, preventative care, and the details of their proposed treatment plans.
  • Communicate effectively with the front office team regarding patient scheduling, treatment plan changes, and follow-up appointments.
  • Prepare and manage lab cases, ensuring they are sent out, tracked, and received back from the dental laboratory in a timely manner.
  • Assist with basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to minimize downtime and ensure clinical readiness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Dental Radiography: Valid state license/certification for taking and developing dental X-rays.
  • Chairside Assisting: Mastery of four-handed dentistry techniques across various procedures.
  • Infection Control: Deep knowledge of OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA regulations and sterilization protocols.
  • Dental Software Proficiency: Experience with practice management software such as Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental.
  • Impression Taking: Skill in taking accurate alginate, PVS, and digital impressions.
  • Provisional Restorations: Proven ability to fabricate, cement, and adjust temporary crowns and bridges.
  • Coronal Polishing & Sealants: Certification and experience in performing these preventative procedures.
  • Dental Materials: Comprehensive knowledge of the mixing and application of various dental cements, bases, and liners.
  • CPR/BLS Certification: Current and valid certification is mandatory.
  • Dental Terminology: Fluent understanding of dental anatomy, terminology, and charting symbols.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Ability to clearly explain procedures to patients and collaborate effectively with the dental team.
  • Empathy & Patient Care: A genuinely caring and compassionate demeanor to put anxious patients at ease.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all clinical and administrative tasks.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to support colleagues.
  • Time Management & Multitasking: Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and patient needs in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond calmly and effectively to unexpected schedule changes or clinical challenges.
  • Professionalism: Maintains a high standard of appearance, conduct, and reliability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Certificate or Diploma from a CODA-accredited Dental Assisting program.
  • Current state-issued Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Science (A.S.) in Dental Assisting or a related healthcare field.
  • Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Health Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on clinical experience as a Dental Assistant in a general or multi-specialty practice.

Preferred: 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced dental office, with proven expertise in advanced procedures and patient management. Experience in specialty areas like pediatrics, orthodontics, or oral surgery is highly valued.

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