RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting with a tooth extraction, which task is the RDA permitted to perform?
- Administering local anesthetic independently
- Applying pressure with gauze after the extraction (Correct answer)
- Suturing the extraction site
- Determining whether the extraction is necessary
Correct answer: Applying pressure with gauze after the extraction
Applying post-extraction pressure with gauze to control bleeding is a supportive task within the RDA's scope; the other listed tasks require a dentist's authorization or licensure.
Question 2: An RDA is charting during a dental examination. The dentist calls out 'MOD' on tooth #19. What does this abbreviation indicate?
- A mesial, occlusal, and distal surface restoration or caries (Correct answer)
- A missing, oversized, or defective restoration
- A molar occlusal defect
- A moderate oral disease finding
Correct answer: A mesial, occlusal, and distal surface restoration or caries
MOD refers to the mesial, occlusal, and distal surfaces of a tooth, indicating involvement of those three surfaces in a restoration or caries lesion.
Question 3: How should an RDA respond if a patient discloses they are taking a blood thinner medication that was not on their chart?
- Proceed with the scheduled procedure since the patient already signed consent
- Note it in the chart and immediately inform the dentist before treatment begins (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to stop taking the medication before the appointment
- Contact the prescribing physician to cancel the patient's medication
Correct answer: Note it in the chart and immediately inform the dentist before treatment begins
Documenting the update and alerting the dentist before any procedure ensures the treatment plan is adjusted to account for bleeding risk.
Question 4: Which standard precaution must an RDA take when handling extracted teeth?
- Soak them in bleach for 10 minutes before handling
- Treat them as potentially infectious and use PPE during handling (Correct answer)
- Wrap them in dry gauze and store at room temperature
- Discard them immediately in regular waste without touching
Correct answer: Treat them as potentially infectious and use PPE during handling
Extracted teeth are considered potentially infectious biohazardous material, requiring PPE and proper disposal according to OSHA and state regulations.
Question 5: The dentist places a rubber dam before performing a root canal. What is the primary reason for using a rubber dam in endodontic treatment?
- To keep the patient's mouth open without fatigue
- To prevent aspiration of files and irrigating solutions (Correct answer)
- To reduce the visibility of the operative field
- To eliminate the need for local anesthesia
Correct answer: To prevent aspiration of files and irrigating solutions
Rubber dams isolate the tooth and protect the patient's airway from small endodontic instruments and chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite.
Question 6: An RDA is assisting with a pediatric patient who refuses to open their mouth. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Use a mouth prop without informing the dentist
- Use tell-show-do technique and alert the dentist if the child remains uncooperative (Correct answer)
- Reschedule the appointment without documenting the incident
- Hold the child's mouth open manually to complete the exam
Correct answer: Use tell-show-do technique and alert the dentist if the child remains uncooperative
Tell-show-do is a recognized behavior management technique for children; escalating to the dentist ensures appropriate management decisions are made by the licensed provider.
Question 7: Before sterilizing dental instruments, why is pre-cleaning or scrubbing essential?
- To remove the protective coating from new instruments
- To eliminate organic material that can shield microorganisms from sterilization (Correct answer)
- To activate the sterilizer's chemical indicators
- To sort instruments by procedure type
Correct answer: To eliminate organic material that can shield microorganisms from sterilization
Organic debris such as blood and saliva creates a barrier that can prevent sterilizing agents from contacting and killing all microorganisms.
RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 3
When assisting with a tooth extraction, which task is the RDA permitted to perform?