Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Principal Duties, Expectations, and Responsibilities

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) supports dentists in providing high-quality dental care to patients. The RDA’s primary duties include assisting during procedures, maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment, and ensuring patient comfort and safety. In addition to clinical assistance, the RDA may perform various administrative tasks as needed. The following statements for this position reflect only some specific responsibilities and are considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all duties required that may be inherent in the position:

• Assist the Dentist with prophies, operative restorations, root canals, pulpotomies, Pulpectomies, apexificiation, fixed and removable restorations, and space maintainer’s extractions 
• Prepare patients for treatment by seating them, explaining procedures, and ensuring their comfort
• Hand instruments and materials to the dentist during procedures, anticipating the dentist's needs
• Take dental x-rays, ensuring proper safety protocols are followed
• Apply topical anesthetics and other treatments under the dentist’s supervision
• Perform procedures for which licensed; including sealant placement
• Fabricate temporary crowns and impressions as directed by the dentist
• Provide post-operative instructions to patients, ensuring they understand aftercare procedures
• Provide oral hygiene education to patients and their families, offering guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and overall dental care practices to promote long-term oral health
• Follow up with patients as necessary after extensive treatments to ensure healing and satisfaction
• Ensure patient comfort and provide reassurance during dental procedures, particularly for nervous or anxious patients
• Ensure proper sterilization and infection control guidelines are followed at all times, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in accordance with clinic protocols and regulatory standards by properly cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing instruments and equipment after each use
• Ensure that the dental treatment rooms are clean, stocked, and organized at all times
• Prepare and set up treatment rooms for each patient, ensuring all necessary instruments and materials are ready
• Maintain accurate patient records, documenting treatments, procedures, and any observations as directed by the dentist
• Assist with patient scheduling, appointment confirmation, and coordination of follow-up care as needed
• Report shortages of clinical supplies and materials to Dental Clinic Supervisor or Dental Clinic Manager
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including OSHA and HIPAA guidelines, to ensure patient and staff safety
• Comply with all relevant dental board regulations and maintain RDA certification in good standing
• Ensure that all clinical activities meet legal, regulatory, and ethical standards
• Work closely with dentists, hygienists, and other dental staff to ensure a seamless and productive workflow
• Communicate effectively with the dental team to coordinate patient care and ensure smooth operations
• Participate in team meetings and provide input on how to improve clinic procedures and patient experience
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support the clinic's operational and strategic goals
• Other duties as assigned by Dental Clinic Director

Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• Current certification as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) required
• Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience as an RDA
• Radiographic certification
• Sealants certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate
• Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology, excellent patient care and communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in taking dental x-rays and using dental practice management software