HOW TO LAUNCH AND GROW YOUR CAREER
BECOME A REGISTERED
DENTAL ASSISTANT
What is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) anyway?
An RDA is a dental assistant that has obtained essential skills and passed the state’s licensing exam which enables them to perform a wider variety of skills than an unregistered dental assistant.
These skills include coronal polishing, and pit & fissure sealants, among others. View the Dental Board of California’s pdf here to see a full comparison of duties.
Becoming an RDA increases your earning potential and opens a wider range of job opportunities, which makes the extra time and money it takes to get registered worthwhile.
Types
State
Typical Wage
Dental Assistant
California
$20/hour
Registered Dental Assistant
California
$30/hour
How to become an Registered Dental Assistant with Indigo
Indigo offers the most affordable and time effective path to a career as a Registered Dental Assistant.
Our method brings you into the workforce quickly and utilizes your work experience as a dental assistant to fulfill your RDA eligibility requirements. (see section 2b)
Requirements to maintain an RDA license vary from state to state, we’ll show you how you earn it in California.
Prerequisites
Getting Started
Indigo Screening Interview
We want to get to know you and your goals to make sure we are the perfect fit for you.
Indigo Professionalism Course
Our in-depth online class on the importance of professionalism.
Dental Assistant Program
12 weeks
Your RDA path begins with Indigo’s rigorous 12-week Dental Assisting program.
This course is a carefully curated hybrid education that combines online classes with weekly in-person clinical sessions related to what you are learning in class.
The course focuses on the critical skills you’ll need to master from day 1.
You will master the following skills:
- Dental Practice Act
- Infection Control
- Radiation Safety
- Basic Life Support
- Chair-side Assisting
Indigo Hack
Our 12-week program will land you in a job in half the time it would take to graduate from the typical career college program.
Upcoming Dental Assistant Classes
Employment as a Dental Assistant
15 Months
Before taking the RDA exam, you must be employed as a dental assistant for a minimum of 15 months, working a total of 1,280 hours during that time.
Meaning, you must work 20 hours per week at minimum to be eligible. (see section 2b)
We view this step as a win-win because you will be employed as a California Dental Board Approved Dental Assistant, solidifying your skills with real-world experience, building a work history, and getting paid, all while accumulating the necessary work hours to advance your career.
Most other programs are designed to keep you in class and paying tuition; we have a better idea. We want to see you out in the workforce.
RDA Capstone
Your Pre-Exam Requirements
The California Dental Board requires the successful completion of 2 additional training courses to prepare you for the next step of your career.
These final courses are provided through the RDA Capstone Program; upon completion you will be prepared with the advanced skills required for the RDA exam.
- Coronal Polishing (12 hour course)
- Pit and Fissure Sealants (16 hour course)
Apply to take the RDA Exam
How to apply and what to prepare
You will master the following skills:
- Coronal Polishing (12 hour course)
Bring the form to a LiveScan service location
You will be charged a fee from the service location, costs vary between locations.
Your fingerprints will be electronically sent to the California DOJ
The DOJ's report will be sent to the Dental Board of California within 7 days of receiving your fingerprints and form.
You will master the following skills:
- Completed RDA Examination Application, signed and dated
- Certification of work experience totaling 15-months by your employer
- Enclose certificates of Board-approved course completion in the following areas:
- Infection Control
- California Dental Practice Act
- Basic Life Support – CPR (AHA/ARC)
- Radiation Safety Certificate
- Coronal Polishing Certificate
- Pit & Fissure Sealants
Once your application has been successfully submitted to the Dental Board, you will be sent information on how to pay for and schedule your exam.
Indigo Hack
We will help ensure you have everything in order once it’s time to apply.
Take the RDA Exam
RDA General and Law and Ethics written examination
The final step in the process is to prepare and take the RDA exam.
You will be able to schedule the exam at a time that fits your schedule.
Your capstone instructor will provide you with the required forms and information to prepare for the exam. It’s important to know that the exam must be taken within 5 years of graduation from the Dental Assisting Program.
Once your application for the exam is confirmed you will receive a handbook from the Psychological Services Inc. (PSI) that will explain the content of the test in more depth.
Indigo Hack
Indigo has an industry-leading preparation course to help you pass the exam with flying colors.
Maintaining your License
You must renew your license every 2 years
To ensure all Registered Dental Assistants are up to date with the current technology and procedures, the California Dental Board requires renewal of your license every 2 years.
Primary requirements for renewal:
- Completed renewal transaction.
- Renewal payment of $100 to the Dental Board of California
- Satisfactory completion of 25 continuing education units
- Completed Dental Healthcare Workforce Survey
View a complete list of renewal requirements here.
Indigo Hack
Indigo offers a variety of courses that count toward the 25 continuing education units.
We are here for you every step of the way.
The total cost breakdown to become a Registered Dental Assistant
Costs associated to becoming an unregistered dental assistant:
Indigo’s Dental Assistant Program
$8,500
Costs associated to becoming a registered dental assistant:
Indigo’s RDA Capstone Program
Speak with your advisor for pricing
LiveScan Fingerprint Fee
Varies based on Live Scan location
RDA Application Fee
$120.00
RDA General and Law and Ethics Written examination
$38.50
Cost to maintain your RDA license every 2 years:
Continuing Education Courses
Class pricing varies
License Renewal Fee
$100.00
- Ready to start your career as a registered dental assistant?
Now is a great time to begin this career.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth for dental assistants between 2021 and 2031; which is faster than average for all occupations.
Have additional questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Call or Text: (877) 464-6344
Email: info@indigocareercollege.com
