So, You're an RDA in Texas, Huh? Buckle Up for CE!
Hey there, dental rockstar! Let's face it, keeping those pearly whites gleaming isn't just about the dentist. You, the amazing RDA, are the ultimate sidekick, the instrument whisperer, the X-ray extraordinaire. But even superheroes need to brush up their skills sometimes, and that's where Continuing Education (CE) credits come in. Think of them as your dental knowledge power-ups!
The CE Lowdown: How Much Credit Do You Need?
Now, the question on everyone's mind (well, maybe besides which shade of teal looks best in scrubs) - how many CE credits do RDAs in Texas need? Hold onto your floss, because it's a biennial thing, meaning every two years. In that timeframe, you gotta snag a cool 12 CE hours.
But wait, there's more! Not all CE credits are created equal. Some are like the comfy chair in the waiting room - pure relaxation. Others are more like explaining nitrous oxide to a nervous patient - gotta stay sharp!
Here's the breakdown:
- At least 6 hours need to focus on the nitty-gritty of dental assisting duties. Think infection control, the latest on those fancy materials, and how to make sure that drill doesn't sound like a jackhammer.
- Out of those 6 hours, 3 must be "clinical" CE. This is where you get down and dirty (metaphorically speaking) with the hands-on stuff.
Bonus Round: Double Duty Double Credits!
Hold your horses, multi-talented RDAs! If you're the proud owner of multiple dental assistant certifications, then you get a bonus challenge. You still need 12 hours total, but you can split them up between your areas of expertise. So, keep those radiology skills on point and become a fluoride whiz at the same time!
Important Tidbits to Remember:
- Don't forget the Human Trafficking Prevention Course! This one's a mandatory 1-hour course, so factor that into your CE planning.
- Up to 6 hours can be carried forward from the previous renewal period. So, if you went a little CE crazy one year, you can bank some credits for later.
- The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) is your best friend. They have a whole website dedicated to CE requirements for RDAs. Check it out before you dive headfirst into clown college ... I mean, unapproved CE courses [Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, CE Information and Submission for RDAs].
There you have it, my friends! With a little planning and the right CE courses, you'll be a dental knowledge powerhouse in no time. Now, go forth and conquer those CE requirements, and remember, a happy patient is a patient with a hygienist who tells good jokes (but that's a whole other story for another day).
