DAA case studies
DAA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Dental Assisting Assessment (DAA) is a multiple-choice examination used to evaluate the knowledge and applied judgment of dental assistants, and it is also taken by candidates preparing to enter the field or to demonstrate competency to an employer. It is aimed at chairside assistants, expanded-function assistants where state rules permit, and students completing a dental assisting program. The DAA case studies are 5 cases and about 2,627 words.
1Latex-Allergic Patient with a Scheduling Conflict
A 41-year-old woman is booked for a 60-minute composite restoration of teeth #19 and #30 at 2:00 PM. Her medical history lists a documented latex allergy with a prior anaphylactic reaction during a childhood dental visit, plus well-controlled asthma.
547 words, about 3 min2The Radiograph That Doesn't Match the Tooth
A 29-year-old man presents with a chief complaint of a dull ache in the lower right quadrant for three days. He has no swelling, no fever, and no difficulty swallowing.
512 words, about 3 min3Syncope in the Chair During a Long Appointment
A 62-year-old woman is 90 minutes into a 2-hour appointment for multiple restorations. She has a history of hypertension controlled with a beta-blocker and reports she 'didn't eat much' before her 8:00 AM appointment because she was nervous.
497 words, about 2 min4The Antibiotic Question Before an Extraction
A 58-year-old man is scheduled for extraction of tooth #17 (a partially erupted third molar with pericoronitis) at 3:00 PM. His medical history includes a mechanical mitral valve replacement 6 years ago, type 2 diabetes managed with metformin (A1c 7.1% at last visit), and a penicillin allergy documented as 'rash as a child.' He takes warfarin (INR 2.4, checked last week) and metformin.
547 words, about 3 min5The Child Who Won't Open
A 6-year-old girl is brought in by her mother for a first dental visit. She has visible caries on #75 and #85 and reports 'ow' when the mother brushes those areas.
524 words, about 3 min