10.1%
10 year Job Growth
$32,000
Avg. Starting Salary1
AMT dental
Issuing Authority

MedCerts Program for RDA Certification

DA 3000

Dental Assistant

Issuing Authority American Medical Technologists

AMT dental

RDA Certification Detail

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential is awarded by the private certification organization, American Medical Technologists (AMT), and taken in addition to any state licensing or regulatory requirements.

The purpose of this exam is to demonstrate entry-level competence in basic dental assisting duties; it does not qualify candidates, however, for any advanced procedures or expanded functions in the role of dental assisting.

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a national credentialing organization for medical assistants, clinical laboratory practitioners, dental assistants and other allied health professionals. Incorporated in 1939 in the State of New Jersey, AMT has over 87,000 active members holding multiple AMT certifications in good standing. The organization has its headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois.

AMT's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification program has been in existence since 1990. The program has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a division of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. NCCA approval is an independent recognition that AMT's certification process conforms to a prescribed set of rigorous credentialing standards.

State Regulations: 

Each state's dental board implements regulations and establishes rules for delegating legally allowable duties to dental assistants. It is important for students to research the state requirements, including eligibility to perform advanced/expanded functions.

Additional RDA Certification Requirements:

IMPORTANT: Graduates are eligible to attempt the RDA, gaining certification status requires the following additional requirements: 

  1. Must provide proof of completion (Transcript) an AMT approved training program (MedCerts' training program is approved by the AMT)
  2. Must provide proof of CPR Certification (MedCerts does not provide this training or certification)

Selecting the Right Training Option Program Comparisons

MedCerts training programs are some of the most competitively price ways to start a new career.

MedCerts Community College Online College
Program & Tuition Cost $4,000 average Up to $20,000 $3,000 average
Exam Fees, Books & Materials Included Up to $750 Up to $750
Job Ready In 3–6 months 24–48 months 3–6 months
Schedule Flexibility On-demand 24/7 Set class schedule On-demand 24/7
Travel Requirements None: 100% online On-campus classrooms None: 100% online
Student Support Personal Advisors: text, call, and email access Professors: scheduled office hours Support inbox
Career Coaching Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit hour requirements Exam-specific only
Content Delivery 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning Professor lectures Varies: typically videos and presentations

This table is provided for reference only. Actual pricing may vary or change without notice. Pricing is based on an estimated full-cost tuition with fees for a Medical Assistant program or similar program before financial aid or other assistance. Data sampled from MedCerts, Oakland Community College, and Kaplan University.

RDA Certification Skills Gained

  • Explain maintenance of aseptic conditions and prevention of cross-contamination
  • Summarize dental instrument and device processing
  • Discuss infection control and safety programs, policies, and documentation
  • Identify advisory, regulatory, and professional organizations as related to dentistry
  • Discover muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems
  • Explore oral cavity anatomy & discuss salivary glands
  • Review sinuses in head anatomy
  • Categorize dental occlusion
  • Identify clinical tools and techniques
  • Review basic dental material & summarize dental specialties
  • Evaluate and mount radiographic images
  • Apply quality assurance and recognize radiology regulations
  • Identify American Dental Association radiography guidelines

RDA Career PathwaysAttainable Jobs

highest Paying

Dental Sales Representative

Answer customers' questions about dental products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms. Identify prospective customers by using business directories and following leads from existing clients. Recommend products to customers based on customers' needs and interests.

$22,000 - $72,000
Estimated Salary1

highest Paying

Dental Assistant

Assist dentist during dental treatment procedures, maintains office records and supplies and schedule appointments, teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene, takes and develops patient x-rays, including digital (if certified), and sterilizes instruments and equipment

$19,000 - $45,000
Estimated Salary1
1All available job and salary information is from Burning Glass Labor Insights and is updated annually to reflect industry changes.

Dental Assistant