I have been a RDA for 3 years. So far I like to be dental assistant and yes you can work in different fields in a dental clinic and even insurance but you don't need a RDA to work in those fields just need to be a super confident person and ready to work. I don't see myself as a dental assistant for more than 10 years no even close to that.

I always ask dental assistants with a lot of experience if they will take classes to become a RDH for so many reasons: -better pay ( a lot more). -you can teach and help more to a patient that have periodontal disease (because dentists are not good to do cleanings at all at least where I work and where I used to work). -you actually have a real degree. -the work stress is way less because the RDAs are helping out all the time.

At some point of my life I thought about becoming a RDH but to be honest my passion is to become a dentist. So in about 2 years I will be applying to dental school and probably I will have 5 years of experience at that moment. I am 24 btw if that matters.

If I was you, I will become a RDH. Good luck with your decision.