So You Wanna Be a Shiny, Renewed RDA in Texas, Huh? Let's Talk Cash
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and...well, dental hygiene? If you're a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the Lone Star State, keeping your license shiny and active is a must. But before you saddle up and ride into a dentist's office with expired credentials, let's talk about the toll on your wallet, yeehaw!
Hold Your Horses! The Big Reveal
Alright, alright, enough with the Texas metaphors. You came here for hard facts, and facts we shall deliver! Renewing your RDA license in Texas is a two-part pony: there's the application fee and the continuing education (CE) credits.
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The Application Fee: A Modest Trail Ride This one's a straightforward saddle sore-saver. As of today (May 4, 2024, for those keeping track at home), the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) charges a cool $100 to renew your license. That's a small price to pay to keep those pearly whites sparkling, both yours and your patients'.
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The CE Credits: Don't Be a Greenhorn This is where things get a tad more interesting. To keep your RDA skills sharp as a tack, you gotta snag some CE credits. Here's the breakdown:
- Total Roundup: You need to wrangle up a total of 12 hours of CE credits.
- Stayin' Alive (Kinda): Out of those 12 hours, at least 6 need to be in clinical CE. Think of it as brushing up on your chairside skills.
- Human Trafficking? Not on My Watch! And to keep things modern, 1 of those 12 hours must be dedicated to a course on human trafficking prevention. Because who wants to be a dental assistant to a villain?
But Wait, There's More! (Because Texas)
Now, this information is straight from the TSBDE's corral, but there's always a chance for some unexpected critters to show up on the trail. Here's what else to keep in mind:
- Renew on Time, Partner! Don't let your license gather dust like a tumbleweed. Renewing late comes with a penalty fee, so don't be a maverick and wait until the last minute.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR: Your Stethoscope to Safety Make sure your BLS CPR certification is up-to-date. Keeping yourself and your patients safe is no laughing matter.
- Be in Good Standing: Keep Your Nose Clean This one's a no-brainer. Make sure you're clear with any outstanding debts or disciplinary actions with the TSBDE or the Office of The Attorney General's Office for Child Support.
So, How Much Does it REALLY Cost?
Alright, let's add it all up. The application fee is $100, and the CE credits will vary depending on the courses you choose. But let's say you find a good deal and snag all 12 hours for a total of, say, $200. That puts you at a grand total of $300. Not too shabby for keeping your RDA career on the right track, right?
The Final Roundup
Renewing your RDA license in Texas is an essential part of the job, and luckily, it's not a bank-breaker. So, saddle up, partners! Get those CE credits, keep your skills sharp, and remember: a shiny, renewed license is the best badge an RDA in Texas can wear.
