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Pediatric Rda Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pediatric Rda information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do pediatric rda jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pediatric rda in Santa Rosa, CA is $23.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pediatric Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pediatric RDA, you need a solid understanding of dental procedures, child dental anatomy, and infection control, typically supported by state licensure and completion of an accredited dental assisting program. Familiarity with dental radiography, practice management software, and sterilization equipment is essential. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to comfort children are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective, safe care and create a positive dental experience for young patients and their families.

What are some common challenges Pediatric RDAs face when working with young patients, and how can they be addressed?

Pediatric Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) often encounter challenges such as managing dental anxiety in young patients and communicating effectively with both children and their parents. Building trust through patience, using child-friendly language, and providing positive reinforcement are essential strategies. Additionally, collaborating closely with the dental team ensures that appointments run smoothly and that each child's unique needs are met. Ongoing training in behavior management and pediatric dental care can further help RDAs excel in this role.

What is a Pediatric RDA?

A Pediatric RDA is a Registered Dental Assistant who specializes in working with children. They support pediatric dentists by preparing treatment rooms, assisting during dental procedures, and helping young patients feel comfortable and safe. Pediatric RDAs are trained in child behavior management and dental care for children, including preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride. Their role is crucial in promoting good oral health habits early in life.

What is the difference between Pediatric Rda vs Dental Assistant?

AspectPediatric RdaDental Assistant
CertificationsRegistered Dental Assistant (Rda) license, pediatric-specific trainingDental Assistant certification, may include pediatric training
Work EnvironmentPediatric dental clinics, specialized in children's dental careGeneral dental offices, including pediatric and adult patients
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with pediatric procedures, patient management, sterilizationAssisting with various dental procedures, patient prep, sterilization

The main difference between a Pediatric Rda and a Dental Assistant is that the Pediatric Rda has specialized training and certification focused on children's dental care, often working exclusively in pediatric clinics. A Dental Assistant may work in a variety of dental settings and may or may not have pediatric-specific training. Both roles support dental procedures, but the Pediatric Rda's expertise is tailored to pediatric patient needs.

What are popular job titles related to Pediatric Rda jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Pediatric Rda jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pediatric Rda jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Pediatric Rda jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Pediatric Rda jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Pediatric Rda job openings:
Infographic showing various Pediatric Rda job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 31% Full Time, and 63% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,971 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Registered Dental Hygienist

$124.80K - $135.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Overview

Marin Community Clinics, founded in 1972, is today, a multi-clinic network with a wide array of integrated primary care, dental, behavioral, specialty and referral services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we provide vital health services to almost 40,000 individuals annually in Marin County. The Clinics regularly receive national awards from the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSA). Our Mission is to promote health and wellness through excellent, compassionate care for all.

Registered Dental Hygienist support MCC's Dental Clinics with a wide range of Registered Dental Hygienist duties. Supports Dentists at all times and focuses on delivering excellent customer service to our patients.

Salary Range:

The salary range stated below is based on a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE). 

Responsibilities
  • Performs patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse.
  • Takes digital x-rays.
  • Removes calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth.
  • Applies preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides).
  • Educates patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
  • Counsels patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
  • Makes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs).
  • Performs documentation and office management activities.
  • Assists the lead RDA with any of the RDA's allowable duties when needed.
  • Assists the management team as-needed.
  • Treats both the adult & pediatric population.
  • Collaborates with the dental team with different functions in addition to the dental hygiene duties, including but not limited to, those of a dental assistant, (i.e. four-handed dentistry), and other assisting tasks as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Must hold active California State Registered Dental Hygienist license.
  • Experience in Epic Electronic Health Records preferred.
  • Current BLS certification required.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Have excellent clinical and communication skills.
  • Bilingual skills (any language) a plus.
  • Proficient in taking digital x-rays.
  • Ability to communicate via e-mail.
  • Self-motivated, excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Team oriented and willing to work in under-served community health setting.
  • FLEXIBILITY IS A MUST - This position will include duties and tasks performed by an RDA, as needed, and depending on the day-to-day operational needs of the practice.

Benefits:Our benefits program is designed to protect your health, family and way of life. We offer a competitive Benefits Program that includes affordable health insurance and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), Dental and Vision Insurance, Educational and Continuing Education Benefits, Student Loan Repayment and Loan Forgiveness, Retirement Plan, Group Life and AD&D Insurance, Short term and Long Term Disability benefits, Professional Fee Reimbursement, Mileage and Cell Phone Reimbursement, Scrubs Reimbursement, Loupes Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, Paid Holidays, Personal Days of Celebration, Paid time off, and Extended Illness Benefits.

MinUSD $124,800.00/Yr.MaxUSD $135,200.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME