Lead RDA/Clinical Operations

Position Summary
The Lead RDA is a working clinical leadership role responsible for executing daily clinical assisting responsibilities while overseeing the overall efficiency, flow, and success of back-office operations. This individual serves as the primary clinical assistant while guiding and leading all Dental Assistants.
The Lead RDA ensures treatment planning accuracy, room readiness, inventory control, block scheduling adherence, and seamless coordination with the Front Office. This role keeps the doctor one step ahead of appointments while maintaining exceptional patient experience and clinical standards.
Core Responsibilities
1. Daily Clinical Execution (Working Assistant)
• Perform all clinical assisting duties per RDA/EFDA licensure
• Prepare patients and rooms for procedures with full readiness
• Take digital radiographs and intraoral photos
• Support doctor during procedures (instrumentation, charting, treatment planning, expanded duties)
• Ensure detailed and accurate treatment documentation
• Manage sterilization protocols exceeding OSHA standards
• Serve as liaison to dental laboratories and manage lab case tracking and vendor relationships
• Ensure lab cases are tracked, communicated, and ready for patient appointments
• Maintain and respect block scheduling templates to support production flow
2. Clinical Operations Oversight
• Oversee all back-office flow and appointment timing
• Ensure rooms are fully set up in advance and turned over efficiently
• Manage clinical inventory and supply systems
• Monitor adherence to block scheduling for doctor and hygiene
• Ensure procedures are completed within timed guidelines
• Anticipate doctor needs and remain one step ahead of appointments

3. Treatment Planning & Case Flow Leadership
• Strong knowledge of treatment planning and sequencing
• Ensure accurate charting of treatment discussions and options
• Provide detailed patient updates to Front Office for scheduling alignment
• Ensure proper baton passes and appointment coordination
• Align scheduling flow with clinical readiness and block scheduling templates
4. Leadership of Dental Assistants
• Guide and mentor all Dental Assistants
• Ensure daily clinical checklists are completed accurately
• Delegate responsibilities while maintaining accountability
• Provide coaching and performance feedback
• Maintain high clinical standards and team morale
5. Cross-Department Collaboration
• Liaise with Front Office to ensure seamless patient handoffs
• Communicate schedule adjustments clearly and proactively
• Not directly assigned to hygiene but expected to proactively offer assistance when needed
• Participate in morning huddles and provide patient readiness updates
Professional Competencies
• Advanced multitasking ability in fast-paced clinical environment
• Ability to complete tasks independently and provide proactive updates without repeated follow-up
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Leadership presence with accountability mindset
• Dentrix Ascend software proficiency; Dexis
Licensure Requirements
• Active RDA/EFDA license in good standing
• Current state certification/license to expose dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Experience and certification (if required by state) for digital scanning and imaging systems
New Jersey Licensure Requirements
• Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license in the State of New Jersey in good standing
• New Jersey Radiologic Technologist (Dental Radiography) license required to expose dental X-rays
• Experience with digital scanning/imaging systems and any required NJ certifications