Thinking about becoming a dental assistant? You’re doing your research — and that’s a great first step!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for dental assistants is favorable. Specifically, it estimates a faster than the average growth rate of 7% through 2032.
So, how do you become a dental assistant? The first thing to recognize is that the answer to that question does vary based on the state you live in.
In California, for example, if you’re looking to become a registered dental assistant (RDA) you must “graduate from a California Board-approved RDA educational program”, per the Dental Assisting National Board. So if you’re an RDA in another state and are looking to transfer your license over, that will not be possible.
More likely, if you find yourself here, you’re looking to understand if a dental assistant certificate or degree is the best path forward. Thankfully, California does allow for several types of dental assistants:
Let’s explore that some more.
Dental assistants “are responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they [dentists] can more efficiently care for patients.”, as Indeed notes. In their day-to-day role, dental assistants may:
Whether a dental assistant is certified, registered, or registered in extended functions will also ultimately determine job scope and duties.
As mentioned earlier, California allows for several types of dental assistants. Certified dental assistants and registered dental assistants are two of the most common. The difference between CDAs and RDAs comes down to level of education, training, credentialing, and capabilities.
The following are responsibilities that only an RDA can perform:
Whereas there are no California state requirements for CDAs, who are certified on a national level by the Dental Assisting National Board, there are several for RDAs. Because California requires RDAs to have graduated from a California Board-approved RDA educational program, what this means in practice is that you’ll likely be looking into attending a degree program if you want to become an RDA.
Unlicensed dental assistants in California, meanwhile, must maintain BLS certification under the supervision of their employer as well as complete the following within a year of employment, according to DANB:
Becoming registered in extended functions (RDAEF) in California, meanwhile, is even more involved than becoming an RDA. However, it can expand the career opportunities and income potential of a dental assistant significantly.
People often wonder if it’s better to get a dental assistant certificate or associate’s degree, and the answer is that it depends on whether you want to become a CDA or RDA. Dental assistant certification allows you to become a CDA. Most RDA course programs provide the student an Associate’s Degree upon graduation. But there are some dental assistant bachelor’s degree programs.
Interested in learning more about becoming a dental assistant in California and determining if the CDA, RDA, or RDAEF path is best for your needs, budget, and schedule? Explore our dental assistant programs at Howard Academy now.
If you are applying for a job as a dental assistant, it is essential to create an excellent dental assistant cover letter. Cover letters help prospective employers understand why you should be hired. They showcase your professional ability, highlight your strengths, and show that you are serious about the opportunity to work as a dental...
If you want to become a dental assistant, you want to understand more about how much dental assistants make and whether it is a decent salary. Dental assistants’ pay depends on several factors, such as specific responsibilities and roles, location, education, and professional experience. A typical dental assistant’s salary in the United States is between...
An expanded duty dental assistant, also known as an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA), is a certified dental assistant who has undergone additional training and schooling to earn the licensure and skills that enables them to perform specific dental procedures. EFDAs can perform specific dental procedures that you would expect a dentist to perform, but...
You can work as a dental assistant without certification but are limited in the job duties you can perform. A dental assistant without a certification can assist with basic dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist but cannot perform more specific job responsibilities. To work as a certified dental assistant, you can perform...
We’re happy to answer any of your questions and show you around.
Talk to a member of our Admissions team right away.
Fill out this form and we’ll reach out and talk through your options.
Info@HowardAcademy.edu