Registered Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The primary role of the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is to assist the dentist in gaining the patient’s commitment to the best possible treatment, with urgency. Key duties associated with assisting the dentist in starting treatment include: utilizing x-ray time to promote the good qualities of the dentist, learning the patient’s expectations while educating them with intra-oral pictures, using effective and anticipatory chair-side skills, and effectively supporting the dentist’s diagnosis after the examination when the patient asks questions. The RDA should abide by procedures needed for compliance with state and federal safety regulation, infection control, and permitted duties.
Responsibilities:
The primary role of the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is to assist the dentist as necessary to gain the patient’s commitment for the best possible treatment with urgency
Actively participate in the Perfect Patient Experience by striving to keep your patients focused on optimal treatment while attending to their individual needs and concerns
Maintain a clean, sterile, and cheerful environment where your patients feel comfortable; prepare patients for treatment, and assist the doctors - thereby enabling them to provide efficient, quality dental treatment
At the direction of the dentist, complete x-rays and intra-oral pictures of patients as appropriate
At the direction of the dentist, instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Sterilize and disinfect instruments, equipment, and operatories in accordance with the American Dental Association guidelines
Maintain strict compliance with State, Federal, and other regulations, (e.g., OSHA, WC, Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, DOL, HR policies and practices)
Qualifications:
Equivalent to high school diploma or general education degree (GED), and specified training courses as mandated by state for certification, licensure, or registration
Certifications/licenses/registrations as mandated by applicable state (e.g. coronal polish, radiograph exposure, ultrasonic scaling for orthodontic procedures, pit and fissure sealant application, etc)
Associate degree or one-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
