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Lead Rda Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Santa Maria Pediatric Dental Group

Lead RDA

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Lead RDA for a Pediatric & Orthodontic Dental Practice-Full Time We are a high-volume pediatric and orthodontic practice with 3 doctors and a large clinical team seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead ...

URBN Dental

Lead Registered Dental Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

🦷 Lead Registered Dental Assistant Are you an experienced Lead RDA who loves leading teams, driving quality care, and helping a fast-paced practice run smoothly? URBN Dental is growing across ...

Northern Valley Indian Health

Lead Dentist

Chico, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Keep the Dental Director, Lead RDA and Clinic Site Manager abreast of current activities and situations within the Dental Department. * Provide consultation services for other providers regarding ...

Northern Valley Indian Health

Lead Dentist

Woodland, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.75/hr

Keep the Dental Director, Lead RDA and Clinic Site Manager abreast of current activities and situations within the Dental Department. * Provide consultation services for other providers regarding ...

Swish Dental

Lead Dental Assistant

Spring, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

The Swish Dental team is looking for a highly motivated Lead RDA to join our team. Why You'll Love Swish Dental Our career opportunities come with great benefits including: * Competitive salary

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Lead Rda information

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How much do lead rda jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead rda in the United States is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead RDA?

To thrive as a Lead Registered Dental Assistant, you need a thorough knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and dental radiography, typically supported by an RDA license and relevant experience. Familiarity with dental practice management software, digital X-rays, and OSHA/CDC compliance is crucial. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you effectively coordinate the dental team and manage patient care. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient clinic operations, high-quality patient care, and a safe, compliant working environment.

What is the difference between Lead Rda vs Rda?

AspectLead RdaRda
CertificationsCertified Dental Assistant (CDA), additional leadership trainingCertified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, manages workflow, interacts with patients and staffAssists dentists, prepares patients, performs clinical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageDental clinics, practices with team leadership rolesDental offices, general dental practices

The Lead Rda typically holds additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing other Rdas and managing workflow, while the Rda focuses on assisting dentists with clinical procedures. Both roles require CDA certification, but the Lead Rda's role emphasizes supervision and coordination within the dental team.

What is a Lead RDA?

A Lead RDA, or Lead Registered Dental Assistant, is an experienced dental assistant who not only provides chairside support to dentists but also oversees and coordinates the work of other dental assistants in a practice. They are responsible for ensuring procedures run smoothly, maintaining inventory, training new staff, and upholding infection control standards. Lead RDAs often serve as a bridge between the dental team and management, helping to implement policies and improve workflow. Their leadership helps maintain high-quality patient care and efficient dental office operations.

What are some common challenges lead RDAs face when managing a dental assisting team, and how can they overcome them?

Lead Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) often encounter challenges such as balancing clinical responsibilities with team supervision, ensuring consistent adherence to protocols, and resolving interpersonal conflicts within the team. To overcome these challenges, effective communication, strong organizational skills, and ongoing professional development are important. Many lead RDAs find success by fostering a supportive work environment, regularly reviewing procedures with the team, and seeking mentorship or training in leadership skills.
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Lead Rda jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Rda job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,518 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Lead RDA

Santa Maria Pediatric Dental Group

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Lead RDA for a Pediatric & Orthodontic Dental Practice-Full Time


We are a high-volume pediatric and orthodontic practice with 3 doctors and a large clinical team seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead RDA. This is a working leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, leads with systems, and holds teams accountable.


This is not a desk role. One moment you’ll be reviewing charts, the next you’ll be managing flow, coaching staff, and stepping in chairside when needed. If you love organization, accountability, and building strong systems while still keeping things fun for kids, this role is for you.


What You’ll Do

  • Oversee daily clinical operations for a multi-doctor, multi-op practice
  • Manage, coach, and hold accountable a clinical team of 10+ employees
  • Monitor and report on KPIs related to productivity, efficiency, quality, and compliance
  • Maintain and improve clinical systems, protocols, and workflows
  • Manage patient flow, room utilization, seating, and provider efficiency
  • Review charts for accuracy, quality, and compliance
  • Train new and existing team members using a waterfall training mentality
  • Enforce OSHA, infection control, and sterilization protocols at a mastery level
  • Collaborate with doctors and leadership to implement new systems and improvements
  • Step in clinically when needed to support patient care and team flow

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience & Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of lead RDA experience in a high-volume dental office
  • Experience overseeing 12 operatories and 10+ staff
  • Proven leadership in fast-paced, high-production environments
  • Strong understanding of OSHA, infection control, and clinical compliance
  • Highly system-driven with strong follow-through
  • Comfortable being held to and tracking measurable performance KPIs
  • Confident trainer who holds staff accountable while developing their skills
  • Adaptable and open to change, able to adjust quickly as systems evolve
  • Dependable, self-motivated, and growth-oriented


This role is ideal for someone who already knows how to manage a large clinical team and simply needs to learn how we do things, not the fundamentals of leadership, flow, or compliance.

Who You Are

You are:

  • Current RDA license holder
  • A natural leader who enjoys being in the action
  • Organized, decisive, and calm under pressure
  • Motivated by structure, results, and teamwork
  • Comfortable setting clear expectations and enforcing standards
  • Excited to help rebuild and strengthen a department through systems and accountability
  • Positive, professional, and kid-friendly (we are a pediatric practice!)

Why You’ll Love It Here

  • Fast-paced, energetic, and supportive environment
  • A fun, kid-focused practice with a strong team culture
  • Leadership that values systems, growth, and continuous improvement
  • The opportunity to truly make an impact and help shape the future of our clinical team

We offer a competitive benefit package:

  • Vacation and Sick Pay
  • Medical (including prescriptions), Vision, dental benefit
  • 401 (k) plan
  • Scrubs