RDA Training and Credentialing Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which accrediting body evaluates dental assisting educational programs in the United States?
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) (Correct answer)
- Joint Commission on Allied Health Education (JCAHE)
- National Commission on Dental Standards (NCDS)
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Correct answer: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
CODA, a program of the ADA, is the sole accrediting body for dental assisting education programs in the US.
Question 2: A state requires RDAs to hold current CPR certification. Which organization's CPR course is most commonly accepted?
- OSHA
- American Red Cross or American Heart Association (Correct answer)
- DANB
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Correct answer: American Red Cross or American Heart Association
Most state dental boards accept CPR certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association for licensure purposes.
Question 3: What document must an RDA submit to the state dental board to demonstrate completion of required continuing education?
- Employment verification letter
- CE completion certificates (Correct answer)
- Transcripts from dental school
- Letter of recommendation from a dentist
Correct answer: CE completion certificates
CE completion certificates from approved providers are the standard documentation required by state boards for license renewal.
Question 4: Which situation would most likely result in an RDA's credential being placed on probation?
- Completing CE in an unapproved topic
- Failing to report a change of address
- Practicing outside the scope defined by the supervising dentist (Correct answer)
- Graduating from a non-CODA program
Correct answer: Practicing outside the scope defined by the supervising dentist
Performing duties beyond the legal or dentist-defined scope of practice is a serious violation that can lead to disciplinary action, including probation.
Question 5: An RDA moves from California to Texas. Which step is required before practicing in Texas?
- Apply for reciprocity automatically
- Meet Texas-specific licensure requirements (Correct answer)
- Retake the DANB exam from scratch
- Request a temporary permit from DANB
Correct answer: Meet Texas-specific licensure requirements
Dental assistant licensure is state-specific, so the RDA must satisfy Texas's own application, exam, and fee requirements.
Question 6: Which federal law influences infection control standards that RDAs must follow during credentialing education?
- HIPAA
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Correct answer)
- FDA Medical Device Regulation
- DEA Controlled Substances Act
Correct answer: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates training on infection control that is tested on the DANB ICE component.
Question 7: What is the typical length of an accredited dental assisting program leading to RDA eligibility?
- 3–6 months
- 9–11 months (Correct answer)
- 18–24 months
- 3–4 years
Correct answer: 9–11 months
Most CODA-accredited dental assisting programs are approximately one academic year (9–11 months) in length.
RDA Training and Credentialing Process 3
Which accrediting body evaluates dental assisting educational programs in the United States?