EFDA Chairside Assisting & Patient Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient discloses they are taking warfarin (Coumadin) before a dental procedure. The EFDA should:
- Proceed normally since warfarin does not affect dental treatment
- Document it in the health history and alert the dentist immediately (Correct answer)
- Advise the patient to stop the medication 24 hours before the procedure
- Administer vitamin K to counteract the medication
Correct answer: Document it in the health history and alert the dentist immediately
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk; the dentist must be informed to modify the treatment plan accordingly.
Question 2: During matrix band placement for a Class II composite, the purpose of a wedge is to:
- Hold the matrix band against the proximal surface to create a tight contact and prevent gingival flash (Correct answer)
- Retract the tongue during mandibular procedures
- Hold the tofflemire retainer in place
- Create space between teeth for easier band removal
Correct answer: Hold the matrix band against the proximal surface to create a tight contact and prevent gingival flash
A wedge stabilizes the matrix band at the gingival margin, creates a proximal contact, and prevents excess material at the margins.
Question 3: When a patient asks the EFDA about the cost of treatment, the most appropriate response is to:
- Provide a detailed fee estimate based on the treatment plan
- Direct the patient to the front desk or financial coordinator for fee information (Correct answer)
- State that fees are confidential and cannot be discussed
- Estimate the cost based on similar procedures seen in the office
Correct answer: Direct the patient to the front desk or financial coordinator for fee information
Financial discussions are outside the clinical assistant's scope and should be handled by the front office financial coordinator.
Question 4: The correct angle for placing the HVE tip during a maxillary posterior procedure is:
- Parallel to the occlusal surface with the bevel facing the tooth (Correct answer)
- Perpendicular to the tooth with the bevel toward the cheek
- At a 45-degree angle with the bevel facing away from the tooth
- Directly on the occlusal surface to catch all debris
Correct answer: Parallel to the occlusal surface with the bevel facing the tooth
Positioning the HVE parallel to the occlusal plane with the bevel toward the tooth ensures efficient evacuation without interfering with the handpiece.
Question 5: Postoperative instructions following a composite restoration should include telling the patient that:
- The bite may feel high for several weeks and will self-correct
- Mild sensitivity to temperature is normal and should resolve within a few weeks (Correct answer)
- They should avoid brushing the restored tooth for 72 hours
- A white spot around the restoration edge is normal and permanent
Correct answer: Mild sensitivity to temperature is normal and should resolve within a few weeks
Mild thermal sensitivity after composite placement is common as the pulp adjusts, and typically resolves within a few weeks.
Question 6: During instrument cassette setup for a restorative procedure, instruments should be arranged:
- Alphabetically by instrument name for easy identification
- In the order of use from left to right to facilitate efficient transfer (Correct answer)
- Randomly to allow the assistant to choose based on the dentist's preference
- Grouped by material type rather than sequence of use
Correct answer: In the order of use from left to right to facilitate efficient transfer
Arranging instruments left-to-right in order of use streamlines transfer and reduces time searching for the next instrument.
Question 7: When a patient reports a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath during a dental appointment, the EFDA should:
- Complete the current procedure quickly before addressing the complaint
- Stop all treatment, activate EMS, monitor vitals, and provide oxygen if available (Correct answer)
- Give the patient water and allow them to rest for five minutes
- Recline the chair to supine position and continue monitoring without calling for help
Correct answer: Stop all treatment, activate EMS, monitor vitals, and provide oxygen if available
Chest pain with dyspnea indicates a potential cardiac emergency; all treatment must stop, EMS activated, and emergency protocol followed.
EFDA Chairside Assisting & Patient Management 5
A patient discloses they are taking warfarin (Coumadin) before a dental procedure.
The EFDA should: