Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Explore on This Page

• Job Titles & Career Info
• Our Program
• Degrees & Certificates
• Attend an Information Session
• How Much Time & Money to Finish?
• Earn More Choices & More Money
• Start on Your Pathway!

Job Titles & Career Info

Our Program

Why Choose RDA?

• Help & care for others in a dental setting
• Establish interpersonal relationships with dental patients & team members
• Apply relevant cutting-edge dental knowledge & technology
• Choose your work setting: general or specialty dental practices, dental assisting education, office management & public health

Prepare for What You Will Do at Work

• Help during patient visits:
  • Prepare the patient
  • Sterilize or disinfect instruments
  • Set up instrument trays
  • Prepare materials
  • Assist dentist during dental procedures
• Record treatment information in patient records
• Expose diagnostic dental x-rays
• Take & record medical & dental histories & vital signs of patients
• Help the dentist in the management of medical or dental emergencies

Marketable Skills You Will Learn

• Critical thinking
• Reasoning
• Communication
• Personal & social responsibility
• Teamwork
• Computer literacy

Before You Enroll, Think About:

• You will be in constant contact with others—both work colleagues & patients
• These personality traits will help you succeed in your work as a Registered Dental Assistant:
  • Attention to detail
  • Dependability
  • Desire to help others

Selective Admission

RDA is a selective admission program.

After being accepted to TCC, you must meet the selective admission requirements to be eligible to submit a separate application to our RDA Program.

Get the Details on These Pages:

• About Our Program
• Selective Admission
• How to Apply
• Performance Requirements

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

Need a boost to get ready for college?

Talk to your advisor about Developmental Studies if your TSI scores say you need some help in math or reading and writing.

Degrees & Certificates

Certificate

Level 1

• Registered Dental Assistant

Continuing Education Courses

See About Our RDA Program: Professional Development for details.

• Coronal Polishing Certificate Course
• Nitrous Oxide Course & Exam
• Pit & Fissure Certificate Course
• RDA Course & Exam

Attend an Information Session

About the Session

Attending an information session is an admissions requirement.

All information sessions will be held in-person.

Application Instructions

When you attend an in-person information session, we will give you materials and forms that you will need for your RDA application.

We will also give the instructions for completing and submitting your RDA application.

When & Where

The Fall 2024 program has been filled.

Fall 2025 Program Information Sessions

We will post the dates and times here as soon as we schedule the sessions.

Questions?

Laurie Semple, Program Coordinator
817-515-6151
laurie.semple@tccd.edu

Northeast Campus Health Sciences Department
817-515-6435
health.sciences@tccd.edu

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2024–2025 Academic Year

Notes:

• Tuition is based on in-state, in-county rates.
• Totals do not include textbooks and other materials.

Continuing Education Programs

Time commitments and fees vary depending on the course.

Earn More Choices & More Money

Transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to career and promotion opportunities.

Next steps

• Talk to your advisor about planning for transfer
• Explore transfer schools

Start on Your Pathway!