Certified Dental Assistant Vs Registered Dental Assistant - Dental Assistant Prep (2024)

Certified dental assistant vs registered dental assistant: an essential comparison for your dental career pathway.

  • Education for Certified Dental Assistant vs Registered Dental Assistant: Understand the distinct academic trails leading to each certification.
  • Scope of Practice: Explore how the duties and legal permissions differ for CDAs and RDAs.
  • Career Advancement: Assess the growth and salary prospects unique to CDAs and RDAs.

Choose wisely between a certified dental assistant and a registered dental assistant to best align with your professional goals.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding the Roles of CDAs and RDAs
  • Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
  • Side-by-Side Comparison: CDA vs RDA
  • Pathways to Certification and Registration
  • Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
  • State-by-State Requirements and Variations
  • How to Decide Between CDA and RDA

Understanding the Roles of CDAs and RDAs

The dental assisting profession is an integral part of the dental care team, facilitating efficient office operations and ensuring patient comfort and care. Within this field, the terms Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) often emerge. Although these titles may sound similar, they designate different qualifications and responsibilities. Understanding these roles can help aspiring dental assistants carve their professional path and ensure that they meet the legal and practical requirements of their chosen career.

What is a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)?

A CDA is a dental assistant who has received certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), which is a nationally recognized credentialing body. To obtain this certification, dental assistants must pass an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in dental assisting tasks.

Key Responsibilities of CDAs:

  • Assisting the Dentist: CDAs are typically responsible for preparing patients for dental procedures, passing instruments during treatments, and helping the dentist with various tasks.
  • Patient Care: They may also take on roles that involve directly caring for patients, such as taking dental x-rays, educating patients about oral hygiene, and maintaining comfortable and safe treatment environments.
  • Administrative Tasks: Apart from clinical duties, CDAs may also handle administrative responsibilities like scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and processing billing and payments.

What is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)?

An RDA, on the other hand, is a dental assistant who is registered with a state dental board. The specific requirements to become an RDA vary by state but typically include passing state-level examinations and meeting criteria set by the state’s dental board.

Key Responsibilities of RDAs:

  • Expanded Duties: In addition to the tasks performed by CDAs, RDAs often have a wider scope of practice which can include performing coronal polishing, applying sealants, and conducting preliminary mouth-mirror inspections under a dentist’s supervision.
  • Direct Supervision: RDAs must work with more direct oversight from a dentist and may have state-specific responsibilities that require additional certifications or training.

It is important to note that while both CDAs and RDAs assist in dental procedures, the scope of practice for RDAs may be broader and more varied, depending on the state in which they practice.

Educational Pathways

To become a CDA or RDA, one must complete specific educational and training requirements.

  1. For CDAs:
  2. For RDAs:

By recognizing these foundational differences, those looking to enter the dental assisting field can better plan their educational journey and overall career trajectory.

Responsibilities and Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for both CDAs and RDAs depends heavily on the specific regulations of the state they practice in. However, understanding their general roles provides a benchmark for the duties each may carry out.

Clinical Duties

RDAs often perform more complex clinical tasks:

  • Coronal Polishing: Removing plaque and stains from teeth to prepare them for further treatments.
  • Sealant Application: Protecting the chewing surfaces of teeth by applying sealants.
  • Taking Impressions: Assisting in creating dental impressions for study casts and appliances.

CDAs, while often involved in clinical duties, typically have a more limited scope:

  • Patient Preparation: Setting up examination rooms and ensuring patients are ready for procedures.
  • Sterilization of Tools: Maintaining the cleanliness and sterilization of dental instruments and equipment.
  • X-ray Procedures: Operating radiographic equipment to take dental x-rays under the direction of a dentist.

Patient Interaction and Education

Both CDAs and RDAs are expected to provide a positive and reassuring experience for patients.

  • Communication: Explaining dental procedures and offering guidance on post-treatment care.
  • Education: Teaching patients about proper oral hygiene practices.
  • Comfort: Ensuring the comfort of patients during dental procedures.

Administrative Roles

On the administrative front, both CDAs and RDAs participate in the following:

  • Scheduling: Organizing appointments and maintaining accurate scheduling systems.
  • Record-Keeping: Ensuring patient records are up-to-date and accurately reflect treatments and communications.
  • Billing: Handling the financial transactions associated with dental care.

Ultimately, while CDAs and RDAs share similarities in their fundamental roles, the key distinguishing factor is the complexity and range of clinical tasks they are permitted to perform, which varies by state and is typically expanded for RDAs. As the dental industry evolves, dental assistants will continue to be a pivotal part of teams delivering critical oral health services. For those seeking to learn more about the roles and distinctions, resources such as the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and state dental boards can be invaluable.

Side-by-Side Comparison: CDA vs RDA

When choosing a career as a dental assistant, two prominent paths appear – Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Here’s how they stack up against each other:

Credentials and Certification

  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA):
  • Registered Dental Assistant (RDA):

Education Requirements

  • CDA:
  • RDA:

Job Duties

  • CDA:
  • RDA:

Recognition and Mobility

  • CDA:
  • RDA:

Using these distinctions allows prospective dental assistants to weigh their options against their long-term career plans and state regulations where they intend to practice.

Pathways to Certification and Registration

The avenues to becoming a CDA or RDA can be unique, with specific steps to follow for each:

Steps to CDA Certification

  1. Education:
  2. Examination:
  3. Continuing Education:

Steps to RDA Registration

  1. Education:
  2. State Exams:
  3. Application:

Each state has its unique layers of requirements, emphasizing the importance of consulting the local dental board for precise and up-to-date information such as the California Dental Board.

Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities

Dental assisting is a swiftly evolving field. Here’s an overview of the professional vistas for CDAs and RDAs:

Salary Expectations

  • CDA:
  • RDA:

Long-Term Career Prospects

  • CDA:
  • RDA:

Both certifications present opportunities for growth which are amplified with further education and experience in the field. Demands for these roles are growing, offering a stable career with competitive compensation.

State-by-State Requirements and Variations

The requirements for CDAs and RDAs aren’t uniform across all states. It’s crucial to understand these differences:

Understanding State Specifics

  • Required Training: States like California may have specific courses or additional exams necessary for RDAs which do not apply in other states.
  • Regional Supply and Demand: Job availability and standard practices can vary largely depending on the region.

Why It Matters

Knowing detailed, localized requirements helps ensure that dental assistants are qualified and compliant with the laws governing their profession within their state and can correctly plan their career development.

Prospective CDAs and RDAs should thoroughly research and stay updated with the regulations and opportunities in their preferred state All Allied Health Schools.

How to Decide Between CDA and RDA

For those at the crossroads of choosing between the CDA and RDA credentials, consider the following:

Professional Aims

  • Preference for a Wide Recognition or Specialized State-specific Practice:

Job Market Dynamics

  • Demand for RDAs vs. CDAs:

Personal Considerations

  • Lifestyle and Flexibility:

Making an informed decision involves reflecting on your career ambitions, local regulatory landscapes, and personal aspirations. This comprehensive approach can set the stage for a fulfilling and successful career in dental assisting. For more in-depth guidance and potential pathways within the dentistry profession, consult resources such as 360Training’s career insights.

Choosing the right path as a dental assistant—whether it’s the CDA or RDA route—requires careful consideration of one’s goals, local job market demands, and state regulations. Take the time to weigh these factors and carefully chart a course that aligns with your career aspirations and lifestyle preferences.

Certified Dental Assistant Vs Registered Dental Assistant - Dental Assistant Prep (2024)

FAQs

Are a CDA and RDA the same? ›

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): A CDA performs many of the same job duties as an RDA but has obtained national certification. A CDA may not be a requirement of state licensure, depending on your location.

Is RDA exam hard? ›

The exam covers a broad range of topics related to dental assisting, including infection control, chairside procedures, radiography, and more. While the RDA exam can be challenging, there are plenty of strategies you can use to prepare yourself for success.

How hard is the DANB CDA exam? ›

While DANB exams are challenging, they're designed to test your level of knowledge on the subject — not to trick you. Read each question carefully and completely, and try not to overthink what's being asked. When you're not sure about an answer, one helpful strategy is to eliminate the answers you know are not correct.

Where do certified dental assistants make the most money? ›

Highest-Paying Cities for Dental Assistants
Metro AreaMedian Annual Salary
Santa Rosa, CA$63,400
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA$63,080
Rochester, MN$61,160
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$60,770
6 more rows

What is equivalent to CDA? ›

The Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) is a state-recognized credential that is equivalent to the national child development associate certification (CDA).

Is the CDA the same as a degree? ›

The timeline to get your CDA is flexible, but it normally takes less time than an Associates degree. Earning your certificate is also usually cheaper than taking college courses or earning a college degree. Typically, child care professionals sign up for a training course, which can vary in length.

Is the CDA exam hard? ›

How hard is the CDA Certification Exam? While the Child Development Associate exam is stimulating, candidates can be successful with preparation and practice. Applicants must show extensive education and work experience before the Council for Professional Recognition will even allow them to sit for the exam.

What is the passing score for the RDA exam? ›

All candidates that fail will receive a score of 55% . All candidates that pass will receive a score of 75%. Written examination results are given at the Psychological Services Inc. (PSI) testing site directly after the exam is completed.

How long does it take to complete RDA? ›

Overview – How Long Dental Assistant School & Training Take
School TypeLengthCost
On-the-job trainingSeveral days to weeksFree or paid
Online program3 to 12 months$1,000 to $10,000
Certification from community college12 to 24 months$3,000 to $7,000
Associate degree from community college18 to 24 months$5,000 to $40,000

What if you fail the CDA exam? ›

Candidates do not receive a pass or fail score on the CDA Exam and Verification Visit. Rather, the Council comprehensively evaluates how Candidates score in each of the thirteen CDA Functional Areas on the CDA Exam and during the CDA Verification Visit to make a credentialing decision.

What is a passing score for CDA exam? ›

Taking the CDA certification exam

Once you complete your exam, the testing center will forward your scores to the Council for Professional Recognition. The council will then rate your exam on a scale of 0-100, with a passing score being 70 or higher. You'll receive your results three days after completing the exam.

How to prepare for the CDA exam? ›

CDA Preparation Strategies
  1. Plan Strategically. Create a study and preparation plan. ...
  2. Use Up-To-Date Study Resources. ...
  3. Attempt CDA Practice Tests. ...
  4. Go Through Multiple-Choice Questions. ...
  5. Look for a Study Companion. ...
  6. Step 1: Prepare. ...
  7. Step 2: Apply. ...
  8. Step 3: Complete the CDA Exam and Verification visit.

What state pays RDA the most? ›

Dental Assistant Salary By State FAQs

The highest-paid state for dental assistants is Alaska with an average salary of $45,905 per year.

What is the highest level of dental assistant? ›

Many state dental boards consider RDAs higher-level employees than CDAs. This means that RDAs may be the highest level of career growth that dental assistants can achieve in the industry.

What is the most valuable skill for a dental assistant? ›

Here are some of the skills you need to be successful as a dental assistant:
  1. Administrative skills. ...
  2. Communication skills. ...
  3. Critical thinking. ...
  4. Ability to follow instructions. ...
  5. Good judgment. ...
  6. Strong customer service skills. ...
  7. Strong organizational skills. ...
  8. Basic knowledge of dental medicine.

What is considered CDA? ›

The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE), and it is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE.

What does CDA mean in dentistry? ›

Passing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam is a milestone achievement.

What is a CDA Child Development Associate credential? ›

Home / CDA Candidates. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education administered by the Council for Professional Development. The CDA Credential guides early child care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

How much does a RDA make in California? ›

Rda Salary in California
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$58,720$28
75th Percentile$50,800$24
Average$46,382$22
25th Percentile$35,000$17

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 5670

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.