The role of a dental assistant is a foundational position within a dental practice, contributing to both patient care and office operations. In Texas, the profession is marked by a consistent need for qualified individuals, making it a stable career path within the broader healthcare industry. This field offers a direct way to engage in patient-facing responsibilities while supporting the work of dentists and hygienists.
What a Dental Assistant Does in Texas
A dental assistant in Texas handles a diverse set of responsibilities that are integral to the daily function of a dental office. These duties are divided between direct clinical support and administrative tasks.
On the clinical side, a primary function is preparing patients for treatment. This involves seating them in the examination chair, ensuring their comfort, and explaining procedures to alleviate any anxiety. They are also responsible for sterilizing and organizing dental instruments for the dentist. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist, passing instruments, operating the suction hose to keep the patient’s mouth clear, and preparing materials for fillings or impressions.
Administratively, dental assistants often manage the front desk and patient records. Their responsibilities can include scheduling appointments, handling billing, and updating patient charts with treatment information. They serve as a point of contact for patients, answering phone calls and managing correspondence.
Texas Dental Assistant Requirements
To perform many of the core duties of a dental assistant in Texas, particularly those involving radiography, an individual must be formally registered with the state. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) is the regulatory body that oversees the profession and establishes the specific standards and qualifications required to practice.
The primary credential required is the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certificate, which is issued by the TSBDE. Holding an active RDA registration is not optional for assistants who expose and position dental x-rays. While it is possible to be employed in a dental office to perform basic tasks without this registration, the ability to take radiographs is a skill that most employers expect, making the RDA the standard path for a comprehensive career.
To qualify for RDA registration, an applicant must first meet a set of baseline criteria established by the TSBDE. These prerequisites include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or a GED, and completing a current, hands-on basic life support (BLS) course. Fulfilling these initial requirements is the first step before an individual can proceed with the more specific training and examination components of the registration process.
Steps to Become a Registered Dental Assistant
Complete an Approved Program
The first major step toward registration is completing a TSBDE-approved dental assistant program. These programs provide comprehensive training in the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key areas of study include infection control procedures, dental radiography, and Texas-specific jurisprudence.
Pass the Required Exams
After completing the required coursework, applicants must pass a series of examinations. The TSBDE requires candidates to pass an exam covering Radiology, Infection Control, and Jurisprudence administered by an approved provider. Alternatively, an applicant can satisfy the examination requirement by holding a current certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). If using the DANB certification pathway, the applicant must also pass the TSBDE’s Jurisprudence Assessment.
Submit Your Application
With the educational and examination requirements met, the next step is to submit a formal application to the TSBDE. The application can be completed online through the board’s official portal. Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including proof of having completed the required training course or a copy of their DANB certificate. The application process also involves paying all required fees.
Complete a Background Check
A mandatory component of the application process is a fingerprint-based criminal background check. All applicants must submit their fingerprints to the designated state agency for the retrieval of any criminal history record information. This step is initiated after the application is submitted to the TSBDE. Registration cannot be granted until the background check is completed and reviewed by the board.
Advanced Certifications for Texas Dental Assistants
Once registered, Texas dental assistants have opportunities to expand their skills and responsibilities through advanced certifications. These optional certificates allow an RDA to perform specific, advanced procedures under the supervision of a dentist.
One common advanced duty is the application of pit and fissure sealants. To earn this certification, an RDA must complete a TSBDE-approved course that includes at least eight hours of clinical and didactic education on the subject. This training must be taken through an accredited dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting program. With this certification, an assistant can apply the protective coatings to the chewing surfaces of teeth, a common preventative treatment for children.
Another available certification is for coronal polishing, which involves removing soft deposits and stains from the surfaces of teeth. The requirements include working as a dental assistant for at least two years and completing a board-approved course of at least eight hours in coronal polishing. Alternatively, graduating from an accredited dental assisting program that includes this training in its curriculum can also satisfy the requirement. A certificate in monitoring nitrous oxide sedation is also available, which requires a separate board-approved course.
Maintaining Your Texas Dental Assistant Registration
Obtaining an RDA registration in Texas is not a one-time event; it must be actively maintained to remain valid. The TSBDE requires all registered dental assistants to renew their registration to continue legally performing the duties associated with the credential.
The renewal process is conducted biennially, meaning every two years. A central component of this renewal is the completion of continuing education (CE). RDAs are required to complete 12 hours of CE during each two-year renewal cycle. The TSBDE specifies that these hours must be obtained from approved providers and cover subjects relevant to the practice of dental assisting.
Keeping all personal information current with the TSBDE is another important aspect of maintaining registration. Assistants must ensure their mailing and email addresses are up to date to receive important notices regarding renewal deadlines and any changes in regulations. Failure to renew on time or meet the CE requirements can result in the registration becoming inactive, which would prohibit the assistant from legally taking dental x-rays or performing other registered duties.