| The dental assistant training involved in becoming a | | | | accredited by the American Dental Association. There |
| registered dental assistant (RDA) is basically the same | | | | are many programs that are, but there are also some |
| as becoming a certified dental assistant (CDA). The | | | | that are not. You must also pass a written and clinical |
| same skills are taught but some states require a dental | | | | exam that is supervised by your states dental board. |
| technician to be registered. However, there are some | | | | To become a certified dental technician, you must find |
| differences between the two. Which one is right for | | | | a dental assisting program that grants a certificate |
| you will depend on your state requirements and your | | | | after completion of the course. You can contact your |
| personal choice. | | | | local community college, trade school, or technical |
| What is a registered vs certified dental technician? A | | | | school to find out which type of programs they offer. |
| registered dental assistant, is a dental technician that | | | | What is the difference? In most states, there is no |
| graduated from an American Dental Association | | | | difference between a registered vs. certified dental |
| (ADA) accredited dental assisting program. An RDA is | | | | technician. A few states require their dental assisting |
| also required to pass a written and clinical exam. The | | | | technicians to be registered. The pay is generally the |
| exam is quite comprehensive and the clinical portion of | | | | same for both an RDA and a CDA. The length of the |
| the exam is sometimes supervised through the state | | | | program is generally the same too. The biggest |
| dental board. A certified dental technician is only | | | | difference is that RDAs are required to pass a |
| required to attend and pass a dental assisting program. | | | | comprehensive exam aside from the exams taken |
| They may choose to take an exam, but they are not | | | | throughout their program. Some states do not require |
| required to in order to receive their certification. A few | | | | any education beyond a high school diploma. For more |
| states require that all dental assistants be registered. | | | | information on becoming a dental tech, contact your |
| How does one become each of them? In order to | | | | local community college to find out what the |
| become a registered dental technician, you must make | | | | requirements in your state are. |
| certain that the dental assisting program you enroll in is | | | | |