If you are interested in working in dental health care, consider a career as a dental assistant (RDA). An RDA is an important part of the dental health team, helping with everything from patient care to office and lab tasks. Read on to learn about what it takes to become a RDA and the job outlook for these medical professionals.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

As the dentist's right hand, the RDA helps create a friendly and confident atmosphere in the dental office, both for patients and team members.

An RDA should be able to listen to patients and be sensitive to those in extreme pain or under mental stress. They also need to follow directions and protocols when assisting a dentist or dental hygienist.

They also need to stay organized and develop good hand skills. They work in small spaces on tiny areas of the body, using precise tools and instruments.

Dental assistants perform specific duties that include:

• Ensuring that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
• Preparing patients and the work area for treatments and dental procedures
• Sterilizing dental instruments
• Helping dentists during procedures by handing them instruments
• Keeping patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
• Promote public health by educating patients in proper oral hygiene to avoid gum disease
• Processing dental x-rays and complete lab tasks
• Keeping records of dental treatments
• Scheduling appointments
• Working with patients on billing and payment

The Path to Becoming a Dental Assistant

Many dental assistants pick up their skills through work experience. Certification programs are also available at community colleges, trade schools, technical schools, and even in the Armed Forces.

Choosing a Dental Assisting Program

Dental assisting training programs include classroom, laboratory, and pre-clinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory.

In addition, students may gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices. Although some employers may have education requirements.

Most programs in the United States take less than a year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.

Two-year programs offered at community or junior colleges lead to an associate degree.

All programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may also ask for a typing or science course for admission.

Getting Licensed and Certified

Some states require dental assistants to obtain a license, registration, or certification. This may require passing a written or practical examination. States requiring a license have a list of schools offering courses, usually less than one year in length. Some states require continuing education to maintain a license.

National certifying organizations, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT), offer examinations for dental assistants to demonstrate that they meet certain standards of competence. Choosing a certifying body is just as important as choosing a school or dental assisting program. When you choose a tough and useful certification, you show employers and patients that they can trust your skills and knowledge.

To earn certification through AMT, you must meet specific criteria and pass an exam. Those who meet the requirements have an excellent chance of passing the certification exam.

The exam tests the knowledge needed to do the main tasks that healthcare workers usually need when starting their jobs.

AMT’s RDA certification is for people who are either finishing their education or already working in the field.

We focus on entry-level workers in the US to determine who can qualify for a dental assisting certificate.

To certify through AMT as a dental assistant (RDA), visit our Dental Assistant page to see if you qualify.

Need help choosing the application route that's right for you?

Dental Assistant Job Outlook

Dental assistants held about 376,500 jobs in 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for dental assistants will grow by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033. This growth is much faster than the average for all jobs.

Ongoing research linking oral health to general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. As a result, dentists will hire more dental assistants to handle routine tasks. This will allow dentists to see more patients and focus on more complex procedures.

As dental practices expand, the need for more dental assistants will also rise.

As the large baby boomer population gets older, the need for dental assistants will keep growing to help maintain and treat teeth.

Dental Assistant Salary

The median annual wage of dental assistants was $46,540 ($22.38/hr) in May 2023, according to the BLS. People with more experience and advanced certifications tend to earn more than those without certification. Consider also obtaining certification in Dental Assisting Radiography (DAR).

Learn More

Check out our blog post on AMT scholarships for eligible dental assisting students.

RDA Reference Materials

RDA Exam Outline