I am a hardworking individual who has dedicated countless hours, personal finances, and sacrificed precious family time to achieve my status as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF2). However, the title does not reflect the level of expertise and responsibilities that come with this role. An RDAEF2 is not just an assistant; we are providers. We share many of the same duties as dentists, including conducting preliminary evaluations of patients' oral health, charting, intraoral and extra-oral evaluation of soft tissue, and placing protective restorations in a dental office setting.

Despite our advanced clinical education and training - comparable to that of Physician Assistants - our current title fails to communicate our professional standing adequately. This misrepresentation often leads patients to underestimate our capabilities. It's time for change.

We propose renaming the position from "Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions" to "Dental Physician Assistant". This new title will better represent our skills and responsibilities while enhancing recognition within the medical community.

This change is crucial not only for us but also for improving patient understanding about their care providers' roles. Let's ensure that every healthcare professional gets due recognition for their hard work and dedication. Please sign this petition if you support this cause!