RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When seating a patient for a dental procedure, which action should an RDA perform first?
- Review the patient's medical history and update any changes (Correct answer)
- Adjust the chair to the lowest position and lock the wheels
- Place the dental bib on the patient
- Turn on the operatory light
Correct answer: Review the patient's medical history and update any changes
Reviewing and updating the patient's medical history before seating ensures any contraindications or allergies are identified before treatment begins.
Question 2: An RDA is responsible for maintaining the dental unit waterlines. What is the primary reason for flushing waterlines at the start of each day?
- To warm the water to a comfortable temperature
- To reduce microbial contamination from overnight stagnation (Correct answer)
- To test water pressure before patient treatment
- To remove mineral deposits from the lines
Correct answer: To reduce microbial contamination from overnight stagnation
Flushing waterlines each morning reduces microbial biofilm that accumulates during periods of stagnation, protecting patient and staff safety.
Question 3: Which duty is within the scope of practice for a Registered Dental Assistant in most US states?
- Diagnosing dental caries
- Performing coronal polishing after training and certification (Correct answer)
- Prescribing fluoride treatments
- Interpreting radiographs independently
Correct answer: Performing coronal polishing after training and certification
Coronal polishing is a delegable expanded function that RDAs can legally perform in most states after completing required training.
Question 4: During a procedure, the dentist asks the RDA to transfer instruments using the single-handed transfer technique. Where should the RDA position the instrument for handoff?
- Directly over the patient's chest
- In the dentist's dominant hand, below their line of sight
- At the exchange zone near the patient's chin (Correct answer)
- On the bracket tray for the dentist to pick up
Correct answer: At the exchange zone near the patient's chin
The exchange zone near the patient's chin keeps instrument transfers within the dentist's peripheral vision and reduces movement fatigue.
Question 5: An RDA notices a patient seems anxious before a procedure. What is the most appropriate initial response?
- Immediately administer nitrous oxide to calm the patient
- Acknowledge the patient's feelings and inform the dentist (Correct answer)
- Proceed quickly to minimize the time the patient has to worry
- Ask the patient to sign an additional consent form
Correct answer: Acknowledge the patient's feelings and inform the dentist
Acknowledging anxiety validates the patient's feelings, and informing the dentist allows the team to address it appropriately before and during treatment.
Question 6: What is an RDA's responsibility regarding informed consent?
- Obtaining and explaining the full informed consent to the patient
- Witnessing the patient's signature on a consent form the dentist has explained (Correct answer)
- Determining whether the proposed treatment is appropriate for the patient
- Advising the patient on alternative treatment options
Correct answer: Witnessing the patient's signature on a consent form the dentist has explained
The dentist is responsible for explaining treatment and obtaining consent; the RDA may witness the signature but does not provide the explanation or make clinical judgments.
Question 7: An RDA is preparing a tray for a composite restoration. Which material should be included for caries removal and cavity preparation?
- Calcium hydroxide liner
- High-speed handpiece and burs (Correct answer)
- Zinc oxide eugenol base
- Acid etch gel
Correct answer: High-speed handpiece and burs
A high-speed handpiece with appropriate burs is used during cavity preparation to remove decayed tooth structure before restoration placement.
RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 2
When seating a patient for a dental procedure, which action should an RDA perform first?