Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Under what circumstances can an RDA perform conditional duties?

1. Only with approval from a patient

2. After completing a board-approved educational program

3. When working in a specialty clinic without prior training

4. Under general supervision by a licensed dentist

The correct answer is: After completing a board-approved educational program

The correct answer highlights that an RDA can perform conditional duties after completing a board-approved educational program. This requirement ensures that the individual has received the necessary training and knowledge to carry out specific tasks that may not fall within the standard scope of RDA duties. Completing a specialized educational program indicates that the RDA has acquired additional skills and competencies that are deemed essential for performing these conditional duties safely and effectively. In the context of dental regulations, many tasks require enhanced training to ensure patient safety and compliance with legal standards. By mandating completion of an approved educational program, the regulatory body ensures that RDAs are equipped with the latest practices and understand any new protocols involved in these tasks, thereby elevating the standard of care provided. The other choices do not meet the necessary requirements for the performance of conditional duties. Approval from a patient doesn’t confer the necessary training or qualification to perform additional tasks. Working in a specialty clinic without prior training does not provide the competence required to ensure patient safety. Lastly, general supervision by a licensed dentist does not change the fact that specific training needs to be acquired through a recognized educational program before taking on conditional duties.