RDA (AMT) study guide
RDA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credential is a state-level licensure or certification that authorizes a dental assistant to perform specified clinical duties - often including expanded functions such as radiography, placement of certain restorative materials, and coronal polishing - under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Requirements are set by the dental board of the state where you intend to work, so the credential is portable in name but not always in scope: duties, application pathways, and renewal terms differ from one jurisdiction to another. The RDA study guide has 5 sections and about 1,678 words.
01Clinical / Chairside Assisting Procedures
Four-handed dentistry rests on a fixed map of the treatment area. The operator works from roughly 7 to 12 o'clock, the assistant from 2 to 4 o'clock, and the static zone (12 to 2 o'clock) holds the unit, bracket table and light.
371 words, about 2 min02Infection Control and Hazard Management
Infection control questions test the chain of infection - infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host - and the way each link is broken. Standard precautions apply to every patient regardless of diagnosis and include hand hygiene, PPE, safe sharps handling and respiratory hygiene.
325 words, about 2 min03Radiation Health and Safety (Dental Radiography)
Radiography questions hinge on ALARA - doses as low as reasonably achievable - and on units. Absorbed dose is measured in gray (Gy) or rad (1 Gy = 100 rad); equivalent dose in sievert (Sv) or rem (1 Sv = 100 rem).
341 words, about 2 min04Dental Jurisprudence, Ethics, and Scope of Practice
Every jurisdiction defines what an RDA may do, and the examination expects you to know that the dentist owns diagnosis, treatment planning and overall responsibility. Supervision levels are direct (dentist physically present), indirect (dentist in the office, patient present) and general (dentist authorizes but is absent).
297 words, about 1 min05Patient Care, Communication, and Oral Health Education
Care begins with a thorough medical history updated at each visit, plus vital signs. Hypertension, diabetes, bleeding disorders, bisphosphonate use and cardiovascular disease change the plan: vasoconstrictors are used cautiously and aspiration is essential.
344 words, about 2 min