DANB CDA study plan

Define the four core radiation protection principles (ALARA, time, distance, shielding) and state the numeric distance rule for operator positioning during exposure

Label a hand-drawn diagram of the dental x-ray tubehead identifying collimator, PID/cone, filtration, and the focal spot, then state each component's safety function

Calculate total beam filtration requirements for machines operating above and below 70 kVp and list the minimum collimation diameter limits for round and rectangular cones

Differentiate primary, secondary, and scatter radiation and identify which type drives occupational dose

Compare intraoral film speeds (D, E, F) and digital sensors by required exposure reduction, and justify the fastest acceptable receptor for each image type

Apply the inverse square law and the rule that exposure time is halved for each increase in receptor speed, working through at least five calculation problems

Explain the three patient-selection criteria categories (justification, optimization, limitation) and write a sample script for declining an unnecessary radiograph

State the legal and ethical obligations for operator certification, machine inspection intervals, and log documentation in your jurisdiction

Sequence the complete chain of infection and match each link to at least two specific dental office interventions

Classify every instrument in a standard operative setup as critical, semicritical, or noncritical and assign the correct reprocessing method to each

Order the steps of instrument reprocessing from chairside pre-cleaning through sterile storage, naming the correct PPE and monitoring test for each step

Describe the correct technique for hand hygiene indications per the WHO five moments adapted to chairside dentistry

Distinguish disinfection levels (high, intermediate, low) and select the correct agent for each surface and impression material category

Explain the rationale and procedure for flushing waterlines and testing output water quality, including the recommended CFU threshold for nonsurgical units

List the post-exposure management steps for a percutaneous sharps injury, including immediate care, reporting, and source-patient evaluation

Identify the correct barrier placement and PPE doffing sequence to prevent self-contamination when leaving an operatory

Assemble and label a complete basic operative tray and a complete surgical extraction tray from memory in under five minutes each

Describe four-handed transfer technique for mirror, explorer, and handpiece, including the pen grasp, fulcrum, and safe zone of transfer

Sequence the steps of a composite restoration from isolation through light curing and finishing, naming the assistant's action at each step

Explain moisture control options (rubber dam, isolite, cotton rolls, suction types) and select the appropriate method for three clinical scenarios

Describe the assistant's role during administration of local anesthesia, including armamentarium, aspiration, and recognition of syncope or toxicity

Compare the properties and handling of the main dental materials (amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, zinc oxide eugenol, impression materials) and state one contraindication for each

Outline medical emergency response for syncope, hypoglycemia, and anaphylaxis, listing the first three actions for each

Explain vital sign measurement technique and normal ranges, and identify which readings require the dentist to be alerted before treatment

Map the permanent and primary dentition by quadrant, tooth name, and universal numbering, and label a blank odontogram without error

Define the core dental specialties and the scope of each, then match ten patient scenarios to the appropriate referral

Explain charting notation for restorations, periodontal probing depths, mobility, and furcation, and chart a provided written case description

Summarize legal and ethical duties around patient records, informed consent, and HIPAA-style privacy in the dental setting

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and record domain-by-domain accuracy to identify the two weakest areas

Re-teach each weak area aloud in under five minutes using only your own notes, flagging any point you cannot explain

Re-drill every missed numeric limit from radiation safety and infection control until recalled with zero errors on two consecutive passes

Build a final one-page formula and limit sheet covering exposure math, filtration, waterline thresholds, and sterilization monitoring intervals