RDA Job Responsibilities and Duties 3

Question 1

When assisting with a tooth extraction, which task is the RDA permitted to perform?

Accepted Answer

Applying pressure with gauze after the extraction

Answer

Administering local anesthetic independently

Answer

Suturing the extraction site

Answer

Determining whether the extraction is necessary

Question 2

An RDA is charting during a dental examination. The dentist calls out 'MOD' on tooth #19. What does this abbreviation indicate?

Accepted Answer

A mesial, occlusal, and distal surface restoration or caries

Answer

A missing, oversized, or defective restoration

Answer

A molar occlusal defect

Answer

A moderate oral disease finding

Question 3

How should an RDA respond if a patient discloses they are taking a blood thinner medication that was not on their chart?

Accepted Answer

Note it in the chart and immediately inform the dentist before treatment begins

Answer

Proceed with the scheduled procedure since the patient already signed consent

Answer

Ask the patient to stop taking the medication before the appointment

Answer

Contact the prescribing physician to cancel the patient's medication

Question 4

Which standard precaution must an RDA take when handling extracted teeth?

Accepted Answer

Treat them as potentially infectious and use PPE during handling

Answer

Soak them in bleach for 10 minutes before handling

Answer

Wrap them in dry gauze and store at room temperature

Answer

Discard them immediately in regular waste without touching

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?

Accepted Answer

To prevent aspiration of files and irrigating solutions

Answer

To keep the patient's mouth open without fatigue

Answer

To reduce the visibility of the operative field

Answer

To eliminate the need for local anesthesia

Question 6

An RDA is assisting with a pediatric patient who refuses to open their mouth. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Use tell-show-do technique and alert the dentist if the child remains uncooperative

Answer

Use a mouth prop without informing the dentist

Answer

Reschedule the appointment without documenting the incident

Answer

Hold the child's mouth open manually to complete the exam

Question 7

Before sterilizing dental instruments, why is pre-cleaning or scrubbing essential?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate organic material that can shield microorganisms from sterilization

Answer

To remove the protective coating from new instruments

Answer

To activate the sterilizer's chemical indicators

Answer

To sort instruments by procedure type