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Rda Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Country Dental

Be Seen First

Experienced Dental Assistant or Michigan RDA

New Buffalo, MI · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

Are you a highly skilled and enthusiastic Michigan Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Unregistered Dental Assistant looking for an opportunity to excel in a practice that values comprehensive ...

Training provided

Greater Lansing Endodontics

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Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are seeking a positive and energetic Dental Assistant RDA to join our awesome dental team here in East Lansing with up-to-date technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and a genuine family-like ...

New

Robinson Dental

Dental Assitant

Coopersville, MI

$18 - $30/hr

We are currently seeking an Experienced Dental Assistant, C ertified, or Registered Dental Assistant (DA/CDA/RDA) who is passionate about dentistry and excited to be part of a growing, supportive ...

Robinson Dental

Dental Assitant

Caledonia, MI

$18 - $30/hr

We are currently seeking an Experienced Dental Assistant, C ertified, or Registered Dental Assistant (DA/CDA/RDA) who is passionate about dentistry and excited to be part of a growing, supportive ...

Robinson Dental

Dental Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

We are currently seeking an Experienced Dental Assistant, C ertified, or Registered Dental Assistant (DA/CDA/RDA) who is passionate about dentistry and excited to be part of a growing, supportive ...

Robinson Dental

Dental Assistant

Wayland, MI

$18 - $30/hr

We are currently seeking an Experienced Dental Assistant, C ertified, or Registered Dental Assistant (DA/CDA/RDA) who is passionate about dentistry and excited to be part of a growing, supportive ...

Edward Liu DDS PLLC

Dental assistant

Holt, MI · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Our practice thrives on a combination of science, technical skill, and deep patient compassion. # Your Role as a Dental Assistant As an essential Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in our clinical ...

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Rda information

See Michigan salary details

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How much do rda jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for rda in Michigan is $18.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RDA?

Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) are dental professionals who support dentists in providing patient care. Their responsibilities typically include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, taking dental x-rays, assisting during dental procedures, and managing patient records. RDAs must complete accredited dental assisting programs and pass a state or national certification exam. Their specific duties and certification requirements can vary by state, but they play a crucial role in ensuring efficient dental office operations and patient comfort.

What does an RDA do?

As a registered dental assistant (RDA), you perform a wide range of tasks to help dentists provide dental care for patients. In this role, your duties may include helping prepare patients for a procedure, sterilizing instruments, providing post-operative care instructions, scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and ensuring each dental room is well-stocked. Some RDAs focus on specialized care, such as providing dental treatment to children or seniors. Most registered dental assistants also perform cleanings and help with common procedures before the dentist comes in to check for serious problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RDA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), you need a solid understanding of dental procedures, infection control, and dental terminology, typically achieved through completion of an accredited dental assisting program and state licensure. Familiarity with dental radiography, practice management software, and sterilization equipment is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help RDAs build rapport with patients and support dental teams effectively. These competencies are essential for ensuring high-quality patient care, efficient clinic operations, and adherence to safety standards.

What are some common challenges RDAs face in a busy dental practice, and how can they overcome them?

Registered Dental Assistants often encounter fast-paced work environments where they must efficiently manage multiple tasks, such as preparing treatment rooms, assisting dentists during procedures, and handling patient records. Time management and strong communication skills are essential to stay organized and provide quality patient care. RDAs can overcome these challenges by proactively coordinating with team members, staying current with best practices, and utilizing checklists or digital tools to streamline tasks and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Rda vs Dental Assistant?

AspectRdaDental Assistant
CertificationsRegistered Dental Assistant (Rda) certification requiredTypically no certification required, but some states prefer certification
Work EnvironmentOperates independently in clinical proceduresAssists dentists and supports patient care
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforms advanced clinical procedures, takes X-raysPrepares treatment rooms, patient care, sterilization
Employer & Industry UsageDental practices, clinics, hospitalsDental offices, clinics, hospitals

While both Rdas and Dental Assistants work in dental settings, Rdas have specialized clinical responsibilities and require certification, allowing for more independent procedures. Dental Assistants support the dental team with patient care and office tasks, often with less formal certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is RDA a good job?

Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) perform clinical and administrative tasks in dental offices, often requiring certification and good communication skills. The job offers steady employment, opportunities for specialization, and typically involves working during regular office hours. Job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for healthcare work and patient interaction.

What can I do with a registered dental assistant certification?

A registered dental assistant (RDA) certification allows individuals to perform clinical tasks such as preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting dentists during procedures. RDAs work in dental offices, providing support with patient care and chairside assistance, often requiring knowledge of dental software and infection control protocols.

What is the career path for a registered dental assistant?

A registered dental assistant (RDA) can advance their career by gaining additional certifications, such as in expanded functions or office management, and pursuing further education to become a dental hygienist or dental office manager. Career progression often involves increased responsibilities, specialization, or leadership roles within dental practices.

Where do registered dental assistants make the most money?

Registered dental assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for dental services, such as urban areas or states with strong healthcare industries. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of dental practice, with specialized skills potentially leading to higher pay.
More about Rda jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Rda jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Rda jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Rda jobs in Michigan?

For Rda jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Rda jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rda job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,039 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Dental Assistant/RDA - Heart of the City

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Cherry Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Cherry Healthexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health
This role includes supporting the clinical and operational teams. Responsible for performing in chair-side fourhanded dentistry of care/treatment of patients with general chairside duties, sterilization, patient care, and, if licensed, performing expanded functions permitted by the Michigan Board of Dentistry for RDA's.
Business hours Monday - Saturday, early morning, late night and weekends and travel may be required to accomplish the essential job functions of this role
Must adhere to the Personnel Policies, Code of Ethics, and all licensing and accreditation standards of the position. Must represent the organization's Mission and Key Values in all actions, communications, and representations with all contacts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Clinical Duties (DA & RDA):
  • Prepare operatory rooms and instruments for dental procedures.
  • Assist the dentist during exams, fillings, extractions, crowns, and other procedures.
  • Take and process dental radiographs (X-rays).
  • Ensure strict compliance with sterilization and infection control guidelines.
  • Adhere to PPE and safety protocols at all times
  • Comfort and educate patients before, during, and after treatment.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
  • Provide oral hygiene and post-op instructions to patients.
  • Support front desk operations as needed, including scheduling and confirming appointments.
  • Taking and recording patient vital signs as needed. i.e Blood Pressure, Glucose
  • May be required to translate other languages if applicable
  • Other duties as assigned

Expanded Functions (RDA Only - as allowed under Michigan law):
  • Place and carve amalgam restorations.
  • Place and finish composite restorations.
  • Perform coronal polishing.
  • Take final impressions for fixed and removable appliances.
  • Apply pit and fissure sealants.
  • Place temporary crowns and bridges.
  • Place bases and liners.
  • Use matrix bands and wedges.
  • Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic models.
  • Applying sealants and fluoride
  • Remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces
  • Polish teeth before a procedure that requires acid etching
  • Replace existing temporary restorations, crowns, and bridges
  • Cement and remove temporary crowns
  • Remove sutures
  • Place, condense, and carve amalgam restorations
  • Place Class I bonded restorations, occlusal adjustment, finish, and polish with non-tissue cutting rotary hand pieces
  • Take final impressions for indirect restorations
  • Assist and monitor of N2O (upon course completion)
  • Perform pulp vitality testing
  • Place and remove matrices and wedges, rubber dams, and norepinephrine retraction cord.
  • Apply cavity liners and bases
  • Apply desensitizing agents
  • Take impressions for mouth guards and bite splints.
  • Dry endodontic canals with absorbent points
  • Under the direction of the Dentist and after attending all required hospital orientation, a dental assistant may assist the Dentist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room. Specific duties would be similar to those performed in the clinic setting.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES:
Basic Life Support/CPR training according to requirements of license and/or certification.
Promotes and believes in NHSI mission statement "Health for All".
Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religion and economic status.
Ability to work in a team environment.
CSHS reserves the right to assign a different location(s) dependent upon business necessity.
KEY VALUES:
  • Customer Service
  • Collaboration
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Professionalism
  • Learning

EDUCATION / LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:
Required (DA or RDA):
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program or equivalent experience.
  • Current CPR/BLS certification.
  • Radiography certification (as required by Michigan law).
  • yearly internal skills assessment required.

Additional for RDA candidates:
  • Current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license from the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
  • Completion of expanded functions training approved by the state.
  • Proof of passing the Michigan RDA exam and jurisprudence exam.

EXPERIENCE:
  • Previous dental chair side experience preferred.
  • Experience with dental practice software
  • Excellent chairside manner and patient communication.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure.
  • Professionalism and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
  • Pass yearly skill assessment

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Client/Patient population served: Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatrics.
Who we are:
Cherry Health, Michigan's largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual's insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.
Our Mission:
Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.
Our Vision:
Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.
Our Values:
  • Collaboration - Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Customer Service - Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
  • Innovation - Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
  • Integrity - Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
  • Professionalism - Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:
Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status. Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!
  • Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
  • Generous Paid Time Off benefit - 4 weeks per year for full time
  • Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5%
  • MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
  • Pet Insurance!
  • Employee Assistance Program

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.

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