RDA Training and Credentialing Process 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization offers the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential at the national level?
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) (Correct answer)
- National Board of Dental Examiners (NBDE)
- American Association of Dental Assistants (AADA)
Correct answer: Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
DANB is the nationally recognized credentialing body that administers the RDA and CDA exams for dental assistants.
Question 2: How many hours of continuing education does DANB typically require for RDA renewal each cycle?
- 5 hours
- 10 hours (Correct answer)
- 15 hours
- 20 hours
Correct answer: 10 hours
DANB requires 10 hours of continuing education per year to renew the RDA credential.
Question 3: A dental assistant completed an accredited program but has not yet passed the DANB exam. Which title may they legally use?
- Registered Dental Assistant
- Certified Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant (Correct answer)
- Licensed Dental Technician
Correct answer: Dental Assistant
Until the credentialing exam is passed and the credential is granted, the individual may only use the undesignated title 'Dental Assistant.'
Question 4: Which pathway allows an experienced dental assistant without formal training to sit for the DANB RDA exam?
- Direct entry pathway
- Work experience pathway (Correct answer)
- Military equivalency pathway
- Reciprocity pathway
Correct answer: Work experience pathway
The work experience pathway allows candidates with sufficient on-the-job hours to qualify for the DANB exam without completing a formal program.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the DANB Component Exam system for RDA candidates?
- To test only clinical skills
- To allow candidates to pass individual exam sections separately (Correct answer)
- To replace state licensing requirements
- To evaluate continuing education credits
Correct answer: To allow candidates to pass individual exam sections separately
DANB's component exams (GC, ICE, RHS) let candidates test each section independently and combine them to earn the CDA credential.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a component exam used toward the DANB CDA credential?
- General Chairside (GC)
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
- Infection Control Exam (ICE)
- Periodontal Therapy Exam (PTE) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Periodontal Therapy Exam (PTE)
The CDA is composed of GC, RHS, and ICE; there is no DANB 'Periodontal Therapy Exam' required for this credential.
Question 7: After failing a DANB component exam, how long must a candidate typically wait before retesting?
- 1 week
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 60 days
- 90 days
Correct answer: 30 days
DANB requires a 30-day waiting period between exam attempts to allow candidates time to prepare adequately.
RDA Training and Credentialing Process 2
Which organization offers the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential at the national level?